A water-resistant material derived from plants that breaks down rapidly in seawater might provide an eco-friendly substitute for disposable plastics used in cups and straws.
Transparent paperboard, similar to cellophane, is composed of cellulose, the substance that forms the structure of plant cells. Due to the coagulating agents utilized in producing cellophane, it was previously not feasible to render it rigid enough for sturdier uses, confining its application primarily to areas like food wrapping.
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Noriyuki Isobe At the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology in Yokosuka, along with his team, found that treating cellulose with a lithium bromide solution eliminates the need for a coagulant; they only needed to let it air-dry.
"We have successfully created a regenerated cellulose material using this solvent system that is both moldable and capable of serving as an eco-friendly substitute for traditional plastics," states Isobe.
The study revealed that a cup crafted from clear paperboard could retain freshly boiled water with minimal leaking for more than three hours. Upon applying a layer derived from a plant-based fatty acid salt, the container achieved full water resistance.
The material can be produced using both recycled and upcycled cellulose-based items like reclaimed textiles. Isobe and his team also examined the degradation of this material in marine environments and discovered that it fully broke down within 300 days in deeper waters, with faster decomposition occurring in shallower areas.
Bhavna Middha At the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia, someone mentions that having a paper-based substitute for plastic isn’t necessarily a poor idea, however, they have several concerns regarding this method as a solution to the waste problem.
"I believe we should object to the use of single-use items unless they are genuinely necessary for individuals or groups who truly require such disposables — like the healthcare sector," she states.
Journal reference:
Science Advances DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads2426