Virtually every day, companies seem to be switching from traditional plastic containers to “biodegradable,” corn-based plastics. But the problem with these containers is that they’re not quite as biodegradable or as eco-friendly, as they might seem, considering that they can really mess up the recycling system and don’t break down at all in personal compost bins. However, within the next two to five years, the development of a truly green plastic could be on the market.
Researchers at the Imperial College of London are currently working on developing sugar-based plastics that are being derived from trees, grass and even agricultural waste. The key is that this new type of plastic, once ready for consumer use, would require much less water and energy for production. In addition, the issue of genetically modified corn (used in current bio-plastics) would be eliminated. And to top it all off, the sugar plastic containers would full compost in home bins, making them 100 percent more environmentally friendly than the ones we see today.
[Via: Green Upgrader]
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There’s still a lot of work to be done, but the potential for an easily compostable plastic cup is truly a breakthrough concept.
