Graduate student Alexis Strain told WBRZ that biodegradable Mardi Gras beads have been an ongoing project at the university since 2016, and in 2024, the concept was expanded to include 3-D printing for easier scaling.
Two prototypes have been produced thus far: one made from polyhydroxyalkanoates and another from polylactic acid. Both PHA and PLA are common bioplastics used as 3D printing filaments.
The usual, petrochemical-based plastic Mardi Gras beads clog sewers and persist in the environment.