Category: Sustainable materials

The US FDA recognizes Zein, a protein derived from corn, as a 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) biological material. This natural biopolymer’s unique properties, including its biocompatibility and biodegradability, are unlocking a multitude of benefits across various industries, from medicine to food science.

As the second most abundant biopolymer on Earth, with millions of tons generated annually, lignin possesses powerful antioxidant properties due to its complex polyphenolic structure. This natural ability to neutralize free radicals is unlocking a wide range of sustainable, high-value applications for this versatile and abundant resource.

Over 65% of the world's total fiber comes from plants, providing materials for everything from textiles to construction. This comprehensive guide explores the answer to what plant has fiber, detailing both industrial and dietary sources.

As the most abundant organic polymer on Earth, cellulose's properties are routinely modified through a range of treatments. Understanding precisely how is cellulose treated is essential for tailoring this natural biopolymer for a vast array of industrial applications, from textiles to advanced biomedical materials.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain grades of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are approved for direct contact with food, confirming its potential for specific food packaging applications. This makes PVA an important player in the shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics.

The agave plant, best known as the source of tequila, produces not one but two entirely different types of fiber, each with distinct properties and applications. This dual nature means that depending on the part of the plant and the processing method, agave can yield either an edible prebiotic supplement or a strong industrial material.

An amazing fact about bamboo is that some species have been recorded to grow an astonishing 47.6 inches in just 24 hours. But when it comes to the safety of products, the question of 'is bamboo toxin free?' is complex and requires a careful look at how the material is processed and what it's combined with.

With approximately 90% cellulose content, cotton fiber is widely considered the purest natural source of this abundant organic polymer. As the primary structural component of plant cell walls, cellulose is integral to the rigidity and strength of plants.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, leather dust exposure in certain manufacturing settings is classified as a human carcinogen, prompting serious questions about consumer safety. This article explores the complex issue of whether leather is safe for humans, differentiating risks based on production methods and potential chemical residue.

With approximately 10-20 million tons of waste seashells generated globally each year, transforming this marine byproduct into a valuable resource like powder offers immense sustainable potential. This versatile powder, derived mainly from calcium carbonate, provides numerous benefits across multiple industries, from agriculture and animal feed to environmental remediation and construction.