# Nutty Plastics NEC Makes Cashew-Based Bioplastics for Use in Electronics By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-09-02 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cashew-based-bioplastics References: [greenbiz](http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/08/26/nec-makes-cashew-based-bioplastic-electronics) & [pressroom.neceurope](http://www.pressroom.neceurope.com/Press-Releases/NEC-Develops-High-Performance-Bioplastic-with-a-High-Plant-Ratio-by-Using-Non-edible-Plant-Resources-346.aspx) NEC, the Japanese electronics company, has used an extract from cashew nut shells and [plant cellulose](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verigreen-plus) to create cashew-based bioplastics that are stronger than corn starch-based bioplastics. Not only are the cashew-based bioplastics twice as strong, they are more heat-resistant and degrade more quickly than plastics made from [corn starch or sugarcane](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/date-energy-bars). If all goes as planned, the cashew-based bioplastics will be available for electronics applications by the middle of 2014. **Implications** - While I know that seems like a super-long time to wait for such an amazing creation as nutty plastics, I can assure you these NEC bioplastics will be well worth the wait! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Cashew-based Bioplastics:** The development of bioplastics made from cashew nut shells and plant cellulose presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the plastics industry. - **Strength and Heat-resistance:** The increased strength and heat-resistance of cashew-based bioplastics compared to corn starch-based bioplastics creates opportunities for innovation in industries that require durable and heat-resistant materials. - **Quick Degradation:** The faster degradation of cashew-based bioplastics makes them suitable for industries that prioritize sustainability and environmental impact. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Electronics:** The availability of cashew-based bioplastics for electronics applications opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in the electronics industry. - **Plastics:** The development of cashew-based bioplastics presents opportunities for disruption and advancement within the plastics industry, offering an alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. - **Sustainable Packaging:** The faster degradation and strength of cashew-based bioplastics suggest they could be used for sustainable packaging solutions, disrupting the packaging industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Seafood Waste Bioplastics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natnov-bioscience.md) - [Cashew Fruit Meat Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-meat-alternative.md) - [Organic Cashew Fruit Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fruit-meat.md) - [Compostable Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoblvd-mojave-collection.md) - [Eco-Certified Eggshell Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoshell-llc.md) - [Globally Inspired Nut Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cashewbased-snacks.md) - [Biodegradable Cheese Packagings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfpacking-cheese.md) - [Flavor-Forward Cashew Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cashew-nut-snacks.md) - [Onion Skin Plastic Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huid.md)