Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new bioplastic that decomposes at room temperature and is stronger than traditional petrochemical plastics. Its creation is inspired by the structure of leaves.
Cellulose nanofibrils are introduced into the bioplastic, significantly increasing its strength. Unlike most existing bioplastics, which require high-temperature composting, LEAFF decomposes naturally at room temperature.
The material is air- and water-resistant and can be used for packaging products. Its structure allows for direct printing onto surfaces, reducing production costs. The new bioplastic's size and properties make it a suitable alternative to polyethylene and polypropylene, which currently dominate the plastic packaging market.
The researchers hope this technology can be scaled up and implemented industrially, particularly in the United States, where there is a well-developed agricultural base for producing precursor biochemicals. In the long term, LEAFF could be a significant step towards a "circular economy," in which waste is recycled and reused without harming the environment.
