Chinese researchers develop bamboo-based bioplastic that biodegrades in 50 days

In China, international researchers have developed a method for making bamboo-based plastic which they say is strong enough to be used for industrial purposes but able to biodegrade in soil within 50 days. The researchers say organic-based plastics like these are often unable to handle tough conditions, making them unusable in areas such as infrastructure. They say their plastic is made by breaking down bamboo cellulose using an alcohol solvent, then modifying the cellulose to build back stronger as a tough plastic material. When tested, the product was able to match or outperform traditional plastics when it came to shapability, mechanical stability and withstanding temperatures, the researchers say.