In the fight against plastic pollution, a significant innovation has just emerged: the entirely biodegradable "barley plastic."

Developed by a team of researchers from the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, this new material uses modified barley starch mixed with fibers derived from sugar beet waste. The objective is clear: to provide an alternative to traditional plastic, which is problematic due to its low recyclability and considerable environmental impact.

This bioplastic is notable for its ability to completely decompose in nature within just two months, a major advantage compared to conventional plastics that persist for hundreds of years. Professor Andreas Blennow, a key figure in the project, emphasizes: "We have developed a new type of bioplastic that is stronger and more water-resistant than current bioplastics. Our material is 100% biodegradable and can be turned into compost by microorganisms if it doesn't end up in a trash can."

Unlike current bioplastics, which are often criticized for their limited degradation under natural conditions, this innovative biocomposite primarily uses two natural components: amylose and cellulose. Amylose, extracted from a special variety of barley producing pure amylose in its grains, plays a crucial role by minimizing its transformation into paste upon contact with water, unlike ordinary starch. As for cellulose, obtained from nanocellulose derived from local sugar industry waste, it mechanically strengthens the material with fibers a thousand times finer than those of linen or cotton.

The manufacturing of this material involves dissolving the raw ingredients in water, followed by mixing or high-pressure heating to form small "pellets" or chips, which can be molded into various products such as bags, bottles, or trays for food packaging, for instance. Collaborations are already underway with Danish packaging companies to develop commercial prototypes.

The process is also supported by an ongoing patent application, paving the way for large-scale production of this promising biocomposite. Although the exact commercial availability remains uncertain, Professor Blennow is optimistic about the possibility of seeing these sustainable packages materialize within one to five years.