Scientists at the Inha University in South Korea highlight a new material known as lignin as the solution behind the issue of soggy biodegradable straws. Lignin is a type of polymer that is found in plants and trees, functioning as the supporting tissue in nature.
The team found that it can also function as a byproduct of the pulp and paper realm, which allows opportunities for it to become upcycled. To create the new straws, the scientists blended this with potato starch or plant-based polyvinyl alcohol before citric acid is added. As a result of this, the mixture is then spread out onto a thin sheet that is rolled into a cylinder and dried, creating a bioplastic tube cut up to become straws.
Image Credit: Radub85, Dreamstime.com
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Lignin-based Products
- Incorporating lignin in various products to create biodegradable and sustainable alternatives.
- Upcycling Byproducts
- Transforming unused materials from different industries into valuable resources.
- Plant-based Materials
- Developing products made from renewable and environmentally friendly sources.
Sectors Adopting This
- Food and Beverage
- Developing sustainable solutions for packaging and containers in the food and beverage industry.
- Paper and Pulp
- Exploring alternative uses for waste materials in the paper and pulp industry.
- Plastic Manufacturing
- Incorporating plant-based and biodegradable materials in the production of plastic products.
