In the Philippines, researchers are working to turn waste rice straws into packaging materials for rice and other foods.
After the rice harvest, the large amount of straw left over in the fields is usually burnt—posing a risk to air quality and human health.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology has approved a project called “Development of Green Packaging Technology Using Eco-friendly Materials for Rice and other Commodities” to examine whether rice straw—on its own or in combination with other renewable raw materials—can be converted into biodegradable packaging materials.
The resulting materials will be evaluated for strength, durability, moisture resistance, and affordability. The reseach will be carried out by the Iloilo Science and Technology University.