Image: rclassen
It doesn’t matter whether it’s rubbish bins, clothing or cleaning supplies – plastics can be found everywhere. Most are neither made from renewable raw materials nor are they biodegradable. An EU project with the participation of the Graz Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology (acib) wants to change that: It is researching a sustainable plastic. This is suitable for the production of toys.
Conventional plastics are known to be extremely problematic for the environment. In the meantime, however, there are already various types of bioplastics on the market. “The problem with these, however, is that although they are made from renewable raw materials, they are not biodegradable,” says acib researcher Anita Emmerstorfer-Augustin.
In order to create a bio-based and also biodegradable alternative, acib is working in the EU project “Bio-plastics Europe” on the production of so-called blends, i.e. mixtures of different polymers.
Initial results show that a mix of biopolyester (PHB) and natural rubber could be a promising alternative to conventional plastics. Under ideal conditions, pure PHB is completely broken down in a few weeks, while natural rubber takes several years. According to initial tests, the material is also harmless to health.
The new plastic is currently being tested for use in toys. Its use is also conceivable for rubber ducks, reusable cutlery and fishing bait.
Source: Nachrichten
