Australian university creates plastic from milk that disappears in 13 weeks
India Today
Scientists at Australia's Flinders University have developed a biodegradable plastic-like film made partly from milk protein. Designed for food packaging, the new material breaks down in soil within 13 weeks, offering a potential eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics that contribute heavily to global pollution.
Researchers in Australia have developed a surprising alternative to traditional plastic -- a biodegradable packaging material made partly from milk protein that can completely break down in soil within about 13 weeks.
The innovation comes from scientists at South Australia's Flinders University, who are exploring new materials to reduce pollution caused by single-use plastics.
The findings were published in the scientific journal Polymers.
The researchers created a thin, flexible film using calcium caseinate, a protein derived from milk. This was combined with modified starch and a natural clay called bentonite nanoclay.
Additional ingredients such as glycerol and polyvinyl alcohol were used to improve the material’s flexibility and durability.
The goal was to produce a packaging film that behaves like ordinary plastic but is much safer for the environment.
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