S. Korean research institute sells tech for producing biodegradable plastic using cow manure

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has transferred its technology for producing biodegradable plastic using radiated cow manure to a local eco-friendly plastic maker for 30 million won and a royalty of 2.5 percent of sales.

The research team enhanced the cohesion of materials by adding manure powder into biomass plastic and then exposing it to radiation.

Microorganisms in the ground can completely degrade the resulting biomass plastic, which has strength and elasticity more than 30 percent higher than other biomass plastics.

Due to the surge in global plastic consumption, biodegradable plastic has been drawing significant attention as an alternative solution.

However, chemical additives are used in making the said biomass plastic to ensure the cohesion of materials.

KAERI’s method has limits, including environmental pollution and high costs.