Scientists have developed a bioplastic from food waste

The material is derived from sugars extracted from food waste, and most importantly, it is fully biodegradable and can be composted together with organic residues.

This is stated in a study published in the scientific journal Microbial Cell Factories.

The development is based on biopolymers called PHA (polyhydroxyalkyanates), which bacteria accumulate inside themselves under certain conditions. The team, led by Edward Attenborough and Dr Leonie van 't Hag (Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering), was able to select the right strains of microorganisms and their 'diet' - a mixture of sugars, salts and trace elements. As a result, the bacteria began to produce plastic right in their cells.

After fermentation, the researchers isolated the polymers using solvents, formed them into ultra-thin films about 20 microns thick and conducted a series of tests. It turned out that the material properties (stretchability, strength, melting point) can be varied by combining plastics from different bacteria.

For example, plastic from Cupriavidus necator was more rigid, while plastic from Pseudomonas putida was more flexible. The mixture of both achieved a balance between strength and elasticity, which is critical for packaging, films and even medical applications.

"We have shown how food waste can form the basis for sustainable, compostable materials that can be customised to the desired characteristics," Attenborough noted.

He said such materials are particularly promising for use in disposable packaging, which can then be recycled along with organic residues without polluting the environment.

Humanity produces more than 400 million tonnes of plastic per year, much of which is not recyclable and ends up in nature. The new bioplastics from PHA could be a solution to this problem if they gain mass adoption.

The team is already working with industrial partners - including Enzide and Great Wrap - to customise the materials for specific industries, from packaging to medical devices.