BBC News discusses the research and development of plant-based plastic materials:

We know that plastic waste is a big problem for the planet – our oceans are becoming clogged with the stuff and we’re rapidly running out of landfill sites. Only 9% is recycled. Burning it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. So could plant-based alternatives and better recycling provide an answer?

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One company trying to change this is Biome Bioplastics, which has developed a fully compostable and recyclable cup using natural materials such as potato starch, corn starch, and cellulose, the main constituent of plant cell walls. Most traditional plastics are made from oil.

Innovations like these will undoubtedly play a critical role in the future of our world. Whether the conversation is around diet, biodegradable coffee cups, building materials such as hempcrete or even renewable energy sources like corn ethanol or algae biofuel…

…plant-based is synonymous with sustainability.