A new plastic created in Mexico from the cactus provides a solution to one of the planet’s biggest pollution problems

The cactus is so important in Mexico that it forms part of its national coat of arms. The plant is known as “green gold”, as it produces food (nopal, its fruit, is quite popular), medicines, cosmetics and even gas. As if that were not enough, it is now possible to add biodegradable plastic to that list, thanks to the work of a scientist who is traveling the world.

O awesome.club tells the details of this discovery that provides a sustainable and ecological answer to one of the main pollution problems on the planet.

Plastic surrounds us in infinite objects of everyday life. Most are derived from petroleum and are widely used for their low cost, easy manufacture and malleability. But this material has two major problems: the raw materials used for its production are limited and highly polluting, as they can take centuries to degrade.

It is true that there is an increasingly strong culture of recycling and that the most different types of plastic can be melted down to mold new products. However, it is estimated that around eight million tons of objects of this material end up in the oceans every year and that its production will continue to increase.

Faced with this situation, Sandra Pascoe Ortiz, a professor at the University of the Valley of Atemajac, in Guadalajara, began researching how to produce biodegradable plastic from cactus, a plant that represents a renewable source and is present in large quantities in the desert regions of the Mexico.

“The project arose from an ecological concern to try to replace, if not 100%, petroleum-derived plastics, and it proposes in some way to take the place of plastic materials that take many years to degrade”, said the chemical engineer and professor of biotechnological processes.

The idea arose in the search for a substitute for everyday plastic bags, usually made of polyethylene, one of the most used types of plastic. In some countries, they cannot even be sold in large stores due to their slow decomposition and negative impact on health.

The cactus was selected after observing that the bioplastic could be generated from the mucilage that the plant secretes, that is, the viscous substance found in some species. It was also chosen because of its symbolism in Mexico and because it is an abundant plant, which facilitates its use as a resource for the experience.

The first step in the production of this bioplastic is to obtain nopal juice, which has a water content close to 90%. This is done, according to the study, using a homemade juicer. Then, through decantation, a viscous and thicker ingredient is separated, which will be the raw material.

This cactus ingredient will be 60% of the composition to which substances such as glycerin, natural proteins and, in some cases, dyes of natural origin are added to improve the aesthetics of the product. Pascoe Ortiz indicated that the proportions of the materials were tested to obtain greater solidity, resistance to tension and elasticity of the product.

The result, obtained after four years of research, is a material that can degrade outdoors in three months or two weeks, if it comes into contact with water. Another advantage is that it is not toxic to animals if it reaches rivers and seas.

The objective is to develop and standardize this technology to produce the bioplastic on an industrial scale, which is initially intended for simpler purposes, such as serving as a product casing and, later, when strength and volume are improved, for other uses.

The Mexican scientist, who usually acquires the raw material for her experiments in a small town on the outskirts of Guadalajara, hopes to obtain a patent for the plastic this year and then pursue its industrial production.

Meanwhile, his work travels the world through dedicated notes by different international media that emphasize this sustainable achievement. By the United Nations Environment Program highlighted the search

What do you think of this Mexican scientist’s work? Is there an effective plastic recycling program in your community? Let us know in the comments!