The Springwise Top 5: Plastic-Free Solutions

Could these new materials help to tackle our plastic problem?

Although recycling programmes and awareness initiatives around the world have made some headway, our plastic problem continues to be one of the biggest issues we face today. Pervasive microplastics are being found in increasingly remote regions of the globe, as well as in more places in the human body, and Ghislaine Llewellyn, Deputy Oceans Lead at WWF, has said that plastic pollution will become “a contributing factor to the ongoing sixth mass extinction”. It couldn’t be more clear that urgent action is needed, but that’s much easier said than done.

Back in April, countries gathered again for the fourth negotiation session to create an “international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution”. The final session and deadline for creating this legally binding treaty is in November, with talks set to restart for the final time in Busan, South Korea. Although important discussions were had involving tackling the overproduction of primary plastics and addressing the full lifecycle of these materials, many nations failed to go far enough, and developed countries like the US and UK stopped short of agreeing to curb plastic production.

If legislation isn’t going to address the full extent of the issue, how do we tackle our plastic problem? Luckily, innovators are stepping up where those in charge fall short, and to mark Plastic-Free July we’ve taken a look in our Library for our top 5 plastic replacements. Take a look.

Planet-friendly packaging made from milk

French materials engineering company Lactips has created a water-soluble, mass-producible, biodegradable material that looks and feels like plastic, but contains no fossil fuels and can be composted at home. Called CareTips, the edible material is made from all-natural ingredients, including a protein called casein that comes from milk. Because it acts as a strong barrier to oxygen, fats, and mineral oils, CareTips is a great replacement for plastic packaging in the food and cosmetics industries. Find out more.

AI-DESIGNED BIOPACKAGING REPLACES PLASTIC

To help tackle the world’s plastic crisis, Chilean biotechnology company Relier is bringing a powerful combination of nanotechnology and AI to the packaging industry. The startup uses vineyard agricultural waste for its fully compostable, biodegradable produce containers, and optimises its recipes using deep learning algorithms. Plus, by working with local growers, Relier also helps them turn their agricultural waste into a new income stream. Find out more.

A NEW MICROPLASTIC-FREE Polymer

Microplastics are an increasing health concern, but one company is on hand to help. Algenesis, which spun out of the University of California San Diego, has developed an algae-based polymer that breaks down in just seven months and it’s hoped the material could be used in place of a wide range of petroleum-based thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). Research confirmed that the material breaks down under home composting conditions at the microparticle level – meaning it does not leave behind microplastics. Find out more.

MODIFIED MICROBES CREATE PLASTIC REPLACEMENTS

The Middle East and North Africa is an area particularly affected by the glut of plastic pollution. To help, Cairo-based company Natrify is using genetically modified microorganisms to produce biopolymers for use in plastic manufacturing. The company’s product, Adigide, is produced by first growing microorganisms in fermentation tanks. After fermentation, the polymer is extracted, dried into powder and formed into a resin that can then be used to create packaging. Because it is bio-based, the packaging will biodegrade naturally. Find out more.

a packaging solution made from waste pulp

Canadian startup Bioform has designed a low-energy production process that creates packaging materials from waste pulp fibre. The resulting hydrogel film is resistant to water vapour and oxygen and reduces carbon emissions by 80 per cent compared to traditional plastic produced at commercial scale and can be used to make everything from packaging films and bags to solid cups. Containing no fossil fuel inputs, the final products can be recycled or composted at home. Find out more.

We’ve got thousands more ideas that are helping to combat plastic pollution – from more biomaterial replacements to circular initiatives. Discover them now in the Springwise Library and find out how you can cut your own plastic footprint.

Words: Matilda Cox