Sustainable Alternatives To Plastic

Made from casein, the protein found in milk, dairy-based “plastic” has been in existence for more than a century but was replaced by synthetic plastics.

- Terence Koh

1. DAIRY PLASTIC

Made from casein, the protein found in milk, dairy-based “plastic” has been in existence for more than a century but was replaced by synthetic plastics. French company Lactips has combined the protein with clay and a reactive molecule (glyceraldehyde) to make a hardier plastic that is still biodegradable.

2. CRUSTACEAN PLASTIC BAGS

Chitosan, made from prawn and crab shells, has the potential to replace plastic in packaging for food and drinks.

3. CALCIUM CARBONATE PAPER

Billed as “paper made out of stone”, calcium carbonate paper is printable, recyclable, and water-proof. It can be used to make FDA-certified food grade packaging, paper bags, takeaway food cartons, grease paper wraps and zipper storage bags.

4. LEAFY PLASTIC

Instead of single-use plastics made from styrofoam, bioplastics can be made from a variety of sources like corn and can be broken down into polylactic acid (PLA). These types of plastics can be made into drinks bottles, food grade containers and films.

5. MYCELLUM PACKAGING

Ecovative Design uses agricultural waste with mycellum (mushroom roots) in moulds to produce packaging.

6. PALM (OPEH) LEAVES