Microorganisms Used to Convert CO2 into Plastic and Polymers

Good News Notes: “They employed greenhouse gas as a raw material for producing plastics. To perform this, they initially produced formic acid and methanol from CO2, which were later converted into building blocks for polymers and similar materials through microorganisms. When fossil-based raw materials are burned, CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere. Until now, CO2 concentration in…

Turning tree bark and compost into aircraft wings and plastic bags

Good News Notes: “Trees, crops and even organic waste can be transformed into a bewildering array of plastics to use in products ranging from single-use bags to heavy-duty airplane wings. These so-called biopolymers could play a vital role in weaning us off petroleum plastics—which will help cut greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure plastics come from…

Biodegradable plastic that can break down in your compost developed by scientists

Good News Notes: “Biodegradable plastic bags, cutlery and coffee cup lids may seem like a win for the environment, but they often introduce more problems than solutions. Despite being touted as “green”, many of these plastics take just as long as their conventional counterparts to break down in home composts and landfill, leading to more pollution…

Scientists Discover New Bacteria that Feeds on Plastic

 Good News Notes: “Researchers have identified a new bacterium that feeds on polyurethane, a kind of plastic that is difficult to recycle or destroy. Scientists say the discovery could help reduce a flood of hard-to-recycle plastics that are ending up in the world’s landfills and polluting oceans. A team from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research in…