Bioplastic from Cactus

Sandra Pascoe Ortiz, a researcher at University del Valle de Atemajac, has developed a variety of biodegradable plastic produced from cactus juice. 

An estimated 19 billion pounds of plastic waste ends up in our oceans and landfills each year. This waste breaks down into minute particles called microplastics, which find their way into our food system. 

With her new product, Pascoe aims to reduce both plastic waste, and the number of toxic microplastics generated globally. The cactus used for the experiment belong to the Opuntia family, commonly called the Prickly Pear. These cactus have a large number of monosaccharides, polysaccharides, pectins and organic acids which provide it with a viscous consistency favouring the formation of a solid biopolymer. 

The cactus are first blended to extract the juice, decanting it to remove the plant fibres. Following this, the juice is mixed with natural waxes, glycerol, proteins and colourants, providing lamination. The resultant mixture is then dried on a hot plate producing biodegradable bioplastic sheets.

The material is non-toxic, biodegradable and edible. The bioplastic has been tested to biodegrade within a week when soaked in water, and within a month when left in the soil. The cactus species is edible, making it non-toxic for animal consumption. Additionally, research suggests that the carbon emitted by the cactus during degradation is equal to the carbon used during its growth. This makes the product carbon neutral. 

The production time is around 10 days, with research still ongoing to test strength, flexibility and commercialization. 

The bioplastic can be used to manufacture shopping bags, cosmetics containers, jewellery, toys and cutlery. Pascoe aims to prepare prototypes of bags prepared from the material as a step towards commercialization. 

Pascoe is applying for a patent at the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI). She aims to make the production process available to companies under a licensing agreement.