Washington University (WashU) researchers have developed a biodegradable plastic inspired by the structure of a leaf, a plastic that could outperform petroleum-based plastics while degrading at room temperature.

The team – based in St. Louis, Missouri in the USA – created a new material, called LEAFF (Layered, Ecological, Advanced and multi-Functional Film), which has cellulose nanofibers embedded between two layers of bioplastic, mimicking the cellulose-rich cell walls of leaves.

This multi-layer design significantly gives rise to a higher tensile strength than common plastics, all while remaining fully biodegradable.

Current bioplastics like polylactic acid and polyhydroxybutyrate often fall short of being environmentally friendly, as they require high temperatures to decompose and are less durable than petrochemical plastics, limiting their use in packaging.

LEAFF addresses these challenges while adding new benefits: the film is highly transparent, water-stable, and provides a strong barrier against air and moisture, which improves food shelf life. Its printable surface also removes the need for separate labels, reducing production costs.

“This unique biomimicking design allows us to address the limitations of bioplastic usage, and overcome that technical barrier and allow for broader bioplastic utilisation” said Joshua Yuan, a professor of energy, environmental and chemical engineering at WashU.

The team are also working on circular economy solutions, converting agricultural waste and carbon dioxide into feedstocks for bioplastic production. Professor Yuan also noted that the United States’ agricultural infrastructure gives it an edge in scaling such technologies.

With the global packaging market worth over $23 billion, as well as increasing pressure to reduce plastic pollution, LEAFF could certainly provide a scalable, sustainable alternative.