Wheat-based bioplastic

Once wheat has been harvested for the food industry it leaves behind a waste stream of wheat straws. Wheat straws contain lignin which helps the plant stand. When mixed with sugar, lignin can be turned into a bioplastic.

  • Sourced as a waste material from construction and food industries.

  • The cellulose in the wheat is broken down to make polymers and combined with less harmful binders. The end result is a sheet material of wheat straw and resin.

    Formed to make cups and plates.

    The lignin is broken down by bacteria which produces an acid that breaks down the lignin. It is then combined with sugar to make a plastic-like substance that can be molded.

    The wheat can also be pulped and pressed into shapes.

  • Uses the waste part of wheat, which would end up in landfills.

    Requires less energy to produce.

    Does not use harsh chemicals like formaldehyde or release any VOCs into the atmosphere.

    Rapidly renewable.

    Biodegradable or compostable.

    Can be remelted or pulped to create different products again and again.

  • Lightweight, good surface hardness, moisture resistant.

Resources

https://keepingourplanetalive.ca/blogs/blog/what-is-wheat-straw-plastic

Previous
Previous

Wheat Straw

Next
Next

Potato based bio-plastic