These biodegradable plastics made from algae are a new hope for the environment
- Scientists have created biodegradable plastics from spirulina, a blue-green algae that is already used in cosmetics and foods.
- Spirulina is a good choice for bioplastics because it is carbon neutral and can be cultivated on a large scale.
- The mechanical properties of spirulina plastics are similar to single-use plastics derived from petroleum.
- However, more research is needed to develop spirulina plastics on a commercial scale.