Most of the world’s plastics are made using oil, which releases carbon emissions when the plastic is incinerated after use. Now scientists are out to make plastics without oil by using materials like straw, wood chips and food waste to produce bioplastics. One particular approach includes genetically modifying bacteria to eat and break down lignin, the very tough material that gives trees and other plants their strength. Once the tough material is broken down, the bacteria can produce useful chemicals for a bioplastic that can be used for bottles.
Scientists are racing to make oil-free plastics
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