Tokyo scientists create concrete you can eat

In Japan, researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a concrete alternative from food waste, namely coffee grounds, banana peels, Chinese cabbage and orange skins.

The material is made by drying and compressing the waste before mixing with water and “seasonings,” according to Yanko Design. The material is then further compressed in a mold at high temperatures.

The team reported their material is three times stronger than regular concrete and is resistant to rot, fungi and pests. Though technically edible, the team admits it is not appetizing.

The findings are particularly interesting because traditional concrete is the second-most consumed product in the world and is also very polluting to produce.