In 10 seconds? Scientists have created a new biodegradable plastic that takes us one step closer to combating both plastic and food waste.
Wow, two birds with one stone? Exactly, although it’s not really appropriate given the fact according to a study, by 2050 99% of seabirds will have ingested plastic waste. At the same time, a large proportion of single-use plastic is used for packaging, including for food and drink, ends up in landfills or as litter. The new type of plastic created by researchers not only breaks down fast in composting but also repels bacteria. So, as a food packaging material, it can keep food from going off longer, helping reduce food waste. Example: strawberries wrapped in the new antimicrobial plastic remained fresh for seven days, whereas in conventional plastic boxes they last for four days. The invention could help reduce food waste, which reached a whopping 63 million tonnes in 2018 in the US.
