
A Boise State University team has created a sugar-based composite material that breaks down easily in the environment and could replace some single-use plastics. Terra Miller-Cassman’s plastic substitute starts with sugar — specifically isomalt, which is used in baking competitions to create delicate sculptures for cake decorating and also is used to make smashable movie props. With isomalt as the base, and cellulose, sawdust and wood flour added in, it's recyclable, reusable and quickly breaks down in the environment. “We could potentially keep the entire process local, which would be ideal,” said Miller-Cassman. Boise State University has filed for a patent for the isomalt-based plastic substitute.
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