SYDNEY, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have been in efforts to develop bioplastics that break down in land and water to tackle plastic waste.
Researchers from Murdoch University in Western Australia aim to solve the growing problem of single-use plastic waste, particularly from food packaging.
These new materials utilize native microbes to create environmentally safe alternatives to conventional plastics, said a statement from Murdoch University published on Science Media Exchange website on Friday.
With over 80 percent of Australian food packaging going to landfill and being unrecyclable, both industry and consumers are calling for greener alternatives, according to the project conducted by the Bioplastics Innovation Hub (BIH).
BIH is a joint initiative between Murdoch University and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Australia's national science agency.
"We're looking at plastics that are biodegradable and environmentally benign as in they're not having any impact on the environment," said BIH Director Daniel Murphy.
BIH's approach harnesses bacteria that store organic molecules, which can be converted into biodegradable plastics, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics that persist in the environment for a long time. ■
