German scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology have invented a new type of bioplastic that is produced from waste and decomposes in 12 months. The new production technology is reported by New Atlas.
With the help of the invention, scientists want to solve two problems: to reduce the amount of oil used, from which plastic is now made, and to reduce the pollution of the surrounding planet – modern plastic, as you know, can decompose for hundreds and thousands of years.
New bioplastics are made from industrial waste, such as oils, which contain large amounts of residual minerals. This material has properties similar to polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer used for pipes, plastic cups, packing bags, technical parts, and household items. However, unlike products made from polypropylene, products made from new bioplastics do not decompose after hundreds of years, but only after a year.
