Plastic pollution is a global problem, with an estimated 8 million plastic pollution flowing into the world’s oceans each year.
The packaging industry is the largest purchaser of plastic products, buying nearly 40% of all plastics sold.
To combat plastic pollution, modern packaging must do more than just meet transportation, storage, and presentation requirements. According to researchers at the University of Göttingen in Germany, it must be sustainable.
This means making eco-friendly materials from renewable resources. Researchers believe that while it can be easily recycled at the end of its life, it must be sturdy enough to be reused.
The Chemie und Verfahrenstechnik von Verbundwerkstoffen (Composite Chemistry and Process Engineering) research group in the Department of Forestry Science and Forest Ecology in Göttingen turned its attention to popcorn.
The university believes that by-products of popcorn, and more specifically corn flakes production, could create eco-friendly alternatives to polystyrene and plastic.
Scientists have succeeded in developing a three-dimensional molded foam made from “granulated sugar” popcorn. Granular materials come from renewable biological sources and are environmentally friendly and sustainable. “Therefore, this is an excellent replacement for previously used polystyrene products.” Focusing on the university, he added that the new popcorn products are also water repellent.
Professor Alireza Jahanbak, head of the research group, said a new process based on technology developed in the plastics industry will enable the production of a wide variety of molded parts.
“This is especially important when considering packaging as the product is safely transported and waste is minimized. And all this is achieved using materials that will later become biodegradable. it was done.”
The University of Göttingen has signed an exclusive license agreement with Nordgetreide for the commercial use and packaging of the process.
“Every day we pollute the planet with ever-increasing plastic waste, which will strain our ecosystems for thousands of years.” Stefan Schult, Managing Director of Nordgetreide, said.
“Our popcorn packaging is an excellent sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived polystyrene. Plant-based packaging is made from inedible by-products of cornflakes production and is actually constructed without residue after use. can.”
