La Mayora Researchers at the Institute of Subtropical and Mediterranean Horticulture have developed bioplastics from tomato remains. Its properties are similar to commercial packaging plastics, but can be decomposed in the sea within one month; it is shorter than the 450 years required for the degradation of petroleum-derived plastics Much.

Researchers extracted cellulose from tomato leaves, stems and skins discarded after making tomato paste or ketchup in the canning industry. IHSM researcher Jose Alejandro Heredia said that the researchers used these remains to create a strong and transparent film or plastic packaging, which can be used for many purposes. He used the cellulose obtained from these remains to create a bioactive substance that can be used for antibacterial purposes. The modified materials are antioxidants that have the characteristics of food packaging. In addition, compared with plastic containers, antioxidants will degrade in the shortest time.

Sustainable smart plastics These bioplastics can be hydrophobic, fluorescent, pearlescent, or have different colors and shades, depending on the light.

In addition, these bioplastics can also be used to make "smart packaging." Once they are used to protect food, plastic loses its original color when it absorbs water, begins to lose its structure, begins to lose its antioxidant properties, and is no longer useful; therefore, it acts as a sensor.

In addition, these plastics can be used to coat the inside of cans. Heredia guarantees that this plastic is as good as plastic made from petroleum derivatives because it helps the metal to resist corrosion well and will not migrate into food.

However, the researchers said that this new plastic will not be used by the industry for a long time, because the plastics industry needs to be able to use the same machines to make this change economically feasible, which will mean an impact on the environment. Field revolution and food sustainability.

We ask you to fill in all text fields marked with *.

Receive free daily newsletter in your email | Click here

Other news in this area:

<< Back | FreshPlaza.com

Sign up for our daily newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news!

You are receiving this pop-up window because this is your first visit to our website. If you keep receiving this message, please enable cookies in your browser.