Instron’s Post

This video showed researches from National Research Center, Egypt

I love seeing new methods for plastics being made. We use plastic for everything: grocery items, other manufactured goods. They're everywhere. Non- toxic, biodegradable options are heavily needed. If scalable, this could really be a game changer, like seaweed is, for the plastics (and every other) industry, and for the rest of the planet. A big win indeed. Shout-out to the team over at Wyss Institute at Harvard University who developed this process from chitosan. Here's a blurb from their page, the last sentence being one a major key here. "The Wyss Institute team, led by Postdoctoral Fellow Javier Fernandez, Ph.D., and Founding Director Don Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., developed a new way to process the material so that it can be used to fabricate large, 3D objects with complex shapes using traditional casting or injection molding manufacturing techniques. What’s more, their chitosan bioplastic breaks down when returned to the environment within about two weeks, and it releases rich nutrients that efficiently support plant growth." #plastics #bioplastics #biodegradable #chitosan #waste #byproduct #environmentalsolutions

Closing the Loop: Waste Utilization for a Circular Economy.

this is very interesting and interactive and will be a good source for the future use advancements that are a very real alternative to polymers we use everyday

Promising Biomaterials Beyond chitosan, other bio-based alternatives to plastic include: PLA (corn starch), PHAs (bacterial), cellulose (plant-based), and alginate (seaweed). These materials face challenges in cost and scalability, but research is ongoing. Combining different biomaterials can create new, versatile materials. Reducing Plastic Consumption To complement material development, reducing plastic use is essential. This involves consumer education, producer responsibility, deposit return systems, packaging reduction, and improved waste management. A combined approach can significantly decrease plastic reliance and promote sustainability. Chitosan alone is highly unlikely to replace plastic entirely, we need a mutli-pronged approach where we use other bio-based alternatives as mentioned above and combine efforts for global awareness that our future will be bleak if we do not address the " Plastic" issue soonest possible. Microplastic has been creeping up slowly and steadily it's in the sea, it's in our food and yes now it's in us. Overcoming the Plastic Crisis The plastic crisis, particularly the issue of microplastics, is a complex challenge requiring multifaceted solutions. Here are some key areas of focus: Reduction and Prevention Design for sustainability: Creating products with minimal plastic and prioritizing reusable or biodegradable alternatives. Extended producer responsibility: Making manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including waste management. Consumer awareness: Educating the public about the impact of plastic and encouraging responsible consumption. Innovation and Technology Biodegradable and compostable plastics: Developing alternatives that break down safely in the environment. Chemical recycling: Transforming plastic waste back into its original components for reuse. Microplastic capture technologies: Developing systems to filter microplastics from water bodies and wastewater. Plastic-eating microorganisms: Researching and harnessing the ability of certain organisms to break down plastic. Circular Economy Improved recycling infrastructure: Investing in efficient collection and sorting systems. Plastic-to-fuel conversion: Converting plastic waste into energy sources. Upcycling and repurposing: Finding new uses for plastic waste. Policy and Regulation Plastic bans and restrictions: Implementing regulations to reduce single-use plastic consumption. Economic incentives: Providing financial support for sustainable plastic alternatives and recycling initiatives. International cooperation: Collaborating on global solutions to address the transboundary nature of plastic pollution. It's essential to combine these approaches for maximum impact. A systemic change involving governments, industries, and individuals is crucial to tackle this pressing issue.

Researchers have developed a degradable bioplastic made from shrimp shells and silk, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. This bioplastic, derived from chitin in shrimp shells and fibroin in silk, is biodegradable, reducing environmental impact and plastic waste. The material is strong, flexible, and can be used in various applications, from packaging to medical devices. Unlike conventional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, this bioplastic breaks down naturally, leaving no harmful residues. Its production also leverages waste products from the seafood industry, promoting a circular economy. As the world seeks eco-friendly solutions, this innovative bioplastic holds significant potential for reducing plastic pollution and advancing sustainability efforts. Explore More: https://lnkd.in/de3GXj6T #chemical #bioplastic #researchdive

It is a necessary to replace al plastics by natural biodegradable materials. But even more important: do not use so many packing materials

We need to start using different materials and innovating for a sustainable future.

Sustainable future

All models of climate change and forecasting of the future fails to adequately factor in the innovations that will come. It’s the same reason Malthus was wrong. Population didn’t outpace food production worldwide. We produce more than enough but the distribution of resources remains unequal. Check out this brilliant invention.