By Faridat Salifu
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark have developed bioplastic that completely breaks down in two months.
The breakthrough provides a hopeful answer to the world’s plastic waste problem.
The innovative material, derived from barley starch and sugar beet waste, addresses the limitations of current bioplastics by combining strength, water resistance, and full biodegradability.
“We have an enormous problem with our at the University of Copenhagen waste that recycling seems incapable of solving,” said Professor Andreas Blennow, lead researcher on the project.
“Therefore, we’ve developed a new type of bioplastic that is stronger and can better withstand water than current bioplastics.
At the same time, our material is 100% biodegradable and can be converted into compost by microorganisms if it ends up somewhere other than a bin, ” he said.
Plastic pollution remains a critical environmental issue. The Washington Post reported that there are approximately 21,000 pieces of plastic in the oceans for every person on Earth.
Furthermore, a study by MIT reveals that only 9% of the world’s plastic is recycled, with a significant portion being incinerated. Traditional plastics can take between 20 to 500 years to break down, according to the UN.
Copenhagen’s new bioplastic, however, fulfills the promise of true biodegradability, a claim many other bioplastics fail to meet.
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“I don’t find the name ‘bioplastic’ suitable because the most common types of bioplastics don’t break down that easily if tossed into nature,” Blennow explained.
A significant aspect of the pollution problem is microplastics, which have even been detected in human blood. The health implications are not fully understood, but research suggests potential risks such as lung inflammation and increased cancer risk.
The new bioplastic leverages amylose, a starch component, and cellulose from sugar beet fibers.
The team developed a unique type of pure amylose-abundant barley that resists turning to paste upon contact with water, while the sugar beet fibers, significantly smaller than cotton strains, provide exceptional strength. The material is produced by mixing these ingredients with water or through the application of heat and pressure.
“Combining them has allowed us to create a durable, flexible material that has the potential to be used for shopping bags and the packaging of goods that we now wrap in plastic,” Blennow said.
This development joins other promising plastic alternatives, such as Cove’s biodegradable bottle. Consumers can also make an immediate impact by switching from disposable plastic bottles and bags to reusable ones, which can lead to substantial savings.
On average, Americans spend $260 annually on disposable water bottles, whereas a $40 reusable bottle offers a quick return on investment.
Blennow and his team are currently pursuing patents and engaging with packaging companies to develop prototypes for food containers. The researcher also envisions applications in the automotive industry for trim materials.
“It’s quite close to the point where we can really start producing prototypes in collaboration with our research team and companies. I think it’s realistic that different prototypes in soft and hard packaging, such as trays, bottles, and bags, will be developed within one to five years,” Blennow concluded.
