Graduation project
Plastic Culture
Marco Federico Cagnoni
"Why waste food on bioplastic when you can make bioplastic and food from one plant?"
WHAT
The discovery of black salsify (schorseneren) and dandelions as a viable source of bioplastic as well as of food, for people and livestock.
WOW
Latex is a natural polymer produced by over 12,500 plant species. Marco Cagnoni narrowed this group down to two species that are ideal for making bioplastic. Flexible and long-lasting, this material can replace most synthetic polymers. The plants are also highly nutritious, so you can make plastic and produce food, instead of using valuable staple foods to make plastic.
WHY
Rice, potatoes, corn, cassava and sugarcane are the most common sources for current bioplastics. But, with a rapidly expanding global population, turning carbohydrates into plastic is not logical or ethical.