Derived from the waste generated by the food industry. Keratin is a protein found in feathers and adds strength to hair and fingernails.

Vacuum forming, extrusion, compression molding and blow molding are all potential methods of forming this material. Feather-based plastic could be used for all kinds of products – plastic cups, plates and furniture.

To make the new plastic, the researchers started with chicken and turkey feathers that had been cleaned and pulverized into a fine dust. They then added chemicals that made the keratin molecules join together to form longer chains and a rigid structure - a process called polymerization.

The new material is a thermoplastic made without fossil fuels.

Potential alternative to petrochemical based plastics, biodegradable, utilizes waste from the food industry. Animal proteins are subject to stiff regulations.

Stronger than similar materials made from starch or soy proteins, and lasts in water. High temperature treatment of the feathers at the start of the process would blast out any possible contamination, such as bird flu.