A Mexican researcher has discovered a way to turn cactus leaves into a material with similar properties to plastic. It's not toxic and is biodegradable.
About:
Mexico’s prickly pear cactus, which is emblazoned on the country’s flag, could soon play a new and innovative role in the production of biodegradable plastics.
A packaging material made from this plant has been developed by a Mexican researcher and is offering a promising alterative to plastics.
The pulp of the prickly pear is mixed with non-toxic additives to produce sheets that can be used for packaging.
The cactus used for her experiments come from San Esteban, a small town located in Jalisco state of Mexico, where single-use non-recyclable plastic bags, straws and other disposable items will be banned from next year.
Pascoe is still conducting tests, but hopes to patent her product later this year and look for partners in early 2020, with an eye towards large scale production.
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
