Mexican Researcher Creates Plastic From Cactus That Is Biodegradable And Safe To Ingest

June 12, 2019

A Mexican researcher has discovered a way to make plastic from cactus that biodegrades in a month and is safe to ingest.

cactus plastic
Credit: Jorge Valencia/KJZZ

Sandra Pascoe Ortiz, a chemical engineering professor at the University of the Valley of Atemajac, has come up with a new use for the prickly pear cactus - a staple in the country's diet - using its juice as a base for biodegradable plastic.

Her most recent samples are light green, paper thin and tough enough to be used as bags.

Pascoe Ortiz hopes the cactus-based plastic will help reduce the impact of solid waste in Mexico and around the world.

Watch the video below to learn more.


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesSoaked, Scared, And Alone - Baby Raccoon Melts Hearts After Rescue

feel good storiesStunning Footage Captures Moment Mount Lewotobi Erupts, Sending Ash Nearly 7 Miles High

feel good storiesTeacher’s Final Wish: Backpacks For Students In Need Fill The Aisles At Her Funeral

feel good storiesOhio Man Makes Waves With His Fully Functioning Hot Dog Boat

feel good storiesWhy Hope Is The Key To A Meaningful Life, Backed By New Research

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good videoTexas Man Reads $700 Electric Bill Like It's A Faulkner Novel

feel good videoKids Sing Grizzly Bear Song To Real Grizzly Bears — And They Respond!

feel good videoHotel Guest And Housekeeping Staff Start Epic Towel Animal Showdown

feel good video5-Year-Old Takes 'Pet' Cicada On Roller Coaster Ride

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me