cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/31895167
A new biodegradable bamboo plastic could replace conventional plastics, offering a fully biodegradable alternative that is durable, recyclable, and easy to manufacture at scale.
Chinese researchers have developed a biodegradable bamboo plastic that not only rivals but surpasses traditional petroleum-based plastics in strength and thermal stability while decomposing naturally within 50 days. The breakthrough, published in Nature Communications in October 2025, could revolutionize manufacturing by offering a renewable, recyclable, and high-performance alternative for industries such as automotive and infrastructure.
Probably will just disappear.
Would be great for single year plastic items/packaging.
For some reason the article says it decomposes naturaly in 50 days and then goes on to list the automotive industry as a use. Aren’t cars supposed to last longer than 50 days outside?
If you take the seat out of your car and bury it in soil, it will start to decompose. Keeping the plastic out of ideal decomposition conditions will make it last longer.
Maybe if some of it is made of cotton (unlikely usually synthetic) or leather. Even then that will take much longer than that to decompose.
For the automotive industry, I think that they mean Interior parts that aren’t exposed to the weather.
A subscription model to keep receiving new plastic parts so your car doesn’t decompose.