In an effort to address the global plastic pollution crisis, a team of researchers at the University of Washington (UW) have made a significant breakthrough. They have developed a unique bioplastic from spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, which shows promising potential as a feasible alternative to petroleum-based plastics due to its comparable characteristics. A distinguishing feature of this innovative material is its ability to biodegrade in backyard compost conditions, swiftly decomposing similar to a banana peel. This stands in contrast to many traditional bioplastics that necessitate commercial composting facilities. Spirulina, known for its use in foods and cosmetics, lends … Continue reading From Pond to Green Solution: The Birth of Algae-Based Bioplastics