Researchers at the Swiss university EPFL developed a method to produce high performance plastics from renewable resources, like agricultural waste.

The team developed a novel method for creating polyamides, a class of plastics known for their strength and durability, the most famous of which are nylons, using a sugar core derived from agricultural waste.

The bioplastic shows properties that can compete with fossil-based alternative for various applications. In addition, the materials demonstrated significant resilience through multiple cycles of mechanical recycling, maintaining their integrity and performance, which is a crucial factor for managing the lifecycle of sustainable materials.

The material can be used in a wide range of products, from automotive parts to consumer goods, but with a significant lower carbon footprint. The team believes the material could be competitively priced against traditional polyamides.

Photos: Lorenz Manker / EPFL via EurekAlert