Plant-based waterproof material could replace single-use plastics

A recent innovation in sustainable materials might hold the key to reducing single-use plastics in everyday items such as cups and straws. Transparent paperboard, a waterproof, plant-based material that degrades quickly in the ocean, offers a promising alternative to traditional plastics.

Similar to cellophane, transparent paperboard is derived from cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. However, previous limitations in its production process, specifically the use of coagulant chemicals, hindered its application beyond food packaging. Recent research by Noriyuki Isobe and his team at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology in Yokosuka has uncovered a new method using a solution of lithium bromide that eliminates the need for coagulants, allowing the material to dry naturally and become more versatile.

Isobe explains, “We have now developed a regenerated cellulose material from this solvent system that is not only shapeable but also has the potential to serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.” The researchers conducted tests on a cup made from transparent paperboard, demonstrating its ability to hold hot water without leakage for extended periods. By applying a plant-derived fatty acid salt coating, the cup achieved complete waterproofing.

One of the key advantages of this material is its ability to be produced from recycled or upcycled cellulose products, such as discarded clothing. In addition, studies conducted by Isobe and his team revealed that the material degrades rapidly in marine environments, breaking down completely in 300 days in deep sea conditions and even faster in shallower waters.

While the introduction of a paper-based alternative to plastics is a step in the right direction, some experts, like Bhavna Middha from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia, urge caution in promoting single-use products. Middha emphasizes the importance of reducing overall reliance on disposable items unless necessary, particularly in sectors like healthcare where single-use materials are essential.