“Deakin textile and fibre scientists have discovered how to turn plant waste into a biodegradable material that could replace environmentally-damaging plastics such as those used for packaging and other throwaway items.
The team from Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), led by Dr Maryam Naebe, developed the bioplastic by repurposing cotton gin trash – the seeds, stems, short fibres and other waste by-products left behind from the ginning process used to separate cotton fibres.
” “About 29 million tonnes of cotton lint is produced each year but up to a third of that ends up as cotton gin trash, where it’s then sent to landfill or burned, representing a major environmental impact and lost material value,” Dr Naebe said.
“Adding value to this waste product will give cotton growers and farmers an additional income stream, while also offering a sustainable alternative to harmful synthetic plastics.” “
— UN SD Goals: 9 “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure”, 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities”, 12 Responsible Consumption and Production”, 13 “Climate Action”; Fundamental Human Need for ”Protection” and “Creation”