Slovakian researchers convert cooking oil to compostable plastic

In Slovakia, scientists say they have developed a compostable plastic from cooking oil that can be used in everyday items such as cutlery and plastic wrap films.

“This bio-plastic does not only decompose in the conditions created for industrial compost (i.e. at 50°C) but also in conditions found in household compost, at 20°C – 30°C,” Pavel Alexy, professor of the Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology Slovak University of Technology tells Sme. “We have tested its degradation in common soil and in seawater where, it seems, it also breaks down.”

The researchers have already filed for a patent and are working with companies and other institutions for commercial launch. The work was done in partnership with Brno University of Technology.