Finally, some respite for all those plastic bag lovers who never quite got used to the cloth/paper shopping bag experience. Researchers at the Missouri University of Science and Technology have developed a breakthrough plastic hybrid that can biodegrade within four months. Made from Polylactic acid, polyester derived from cornstarch, scientists were able to successfully create the plastic substitute that decomposes and mineralizes into water and carbon dioxide when composted. And though the substance is already being used by some brands in their compostable plastic bags, developers are still looking at blending the acid with other bio- and oil-based polymers to make the kind of resins that would be more suited to commercial use. Now this is what I call a long term solution!
Source: Dvice
