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.


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