🌟 Patent of the Week: Game-Changing Biodegradable Plastic Alternatives

McGill University Develops Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Plastics

What’s the Big Idea?

If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you know I’ve got it in for plastic. Here’s another approach, this time by the researchers at McGill University, to get us off this addiction. This patent introduces an innovative method to produce plastic-like, biorenewable, biodegradable, and recyclable products from lignocellulose, a natural material composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin found in the cell walls of plants. By addressing the issue of cellulose degrading before it melts, this technology uses lignocellulose solutions to create 2D objects and invents two ways to form 3D objects: molding around or inside a mold, and using 2D wet lignocellulose sheets. This approach could finally help us create more durable packaging that’s plastic-free.

Why It Matters

I don’t need to tell you that plastic pollution is a significant environmental challenge, and finding effective replacements is crucial. This invention presents a viable solution that’s biodegradable and sustainable.

Stage of Development

This technology has been filed as a patent and is undergoing further development to optimize production methods and expand its applications.

Interested?

For more details or to explore licensing opportunities, please contact McGill University’s tech transfer office.

The Details

Patent Status: PCT/CA2022/050599

Inventors: Moradian M., Md Nur A., and T. G. M. van de Ven

Reference: McGill’s Tech IP Page

About the artist

Chriss Foss, is a British artist and science fiction illustrator. He is best known for his science fiction book cover