Brazil Develops Environmentally Friendly Lightweight Packaging Materials

Researchers at the University of Campinas, Brazil, have recently developed a new environmentally friendly lightweight packaging material that can replace existing foams to eliminate white pollution. According to the University’s chemistry researchers, the new substance is called “biofoam” and is mainly made from natural, recyclable substances. 70% of the new substance is extracted from corn, soy, and ramie, while petroleum extracts only account for 30%. "Bio-foam" can be used as a lightweight packaging material. Because it can be biodegradable in nature, it is a good substitute for foam. Sacrificial foams can be dissolved in nature in less than two years. Moreover, biofoam production costs are low and no toxic byproducts are produced. (Zhengya)