Great Wrap, an Australia-based biomaterials company, has unveiled a disposable bioplastic made from waste potatoes, which can replace traditional plastic cling film.
The company has extracted starch from potato peels and combined it with used cooking oil and a starchy root vegetable to create Great Wrap.
The product also includes biopolymer additives, helping to wrap boxes and preserve fresh food compared to existing plastic clingfilm.
According to Julia Kay, co-founder and co-CEO of Great Wrap, the bioplastic film can be composted in landfills or at home using composting systems. It will break down within 180 days.
“Great Wrap breaks down the same way as food scraps, into food and energy for the microbes in your compost,” Kay explained.
“It goes perfectly with your organic waste to be composted into rich nutrient soil, ready to be repurposed.”
The company has aimed to keep more than 50,000 metric tonnes of potato waste out of landfill every year.
With the intention of using local potato waste from each area and reducing the carbon footprint, Great Wrap is seeking local manufacturing options, particularly since the company aims to launch the brand in the US this year.
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