International team develops biodegradable film from milk protein, clay

In Australia, researchers at Flinders University are leading a team of international researchers in developing biodegradable plastics based on calcium caseinate—a protein derived from milk—combined with starch, bentonite nanoclay, glycerol and polyvinyl alcohol.

The team has developed a thin film that, in early tests, appears to steadily break down in soil, with full disintegration in as little as 13 weeks. While not yet as strong as petroleum-based plastics, the biocomposite outperforms other plant-based alternatives, making it a promising candidate for food packaging. Microbial testing also confirmed low toxicity, keeping bacterial levels within safe limits. 

The team also includes scientists from Western University in Ontario and Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Colombia.