CAIRO: Researchers at Egypt's Nile University are developing a way to turn dried shrimp shells that would otherwise be thrown away into thin films of biodegradable plasticthey hope will be used to make eco-friendly grocery bags and packaging. Six months into their two-year project, the research team has managed to create a thin, clear prototype using chitosan, a material found in the shells of many crustaceans. The researchers buy unwanted shrimp shells from restaurants, supermarkets and local fishermen at cheap prices. Using shrimp shells is more sustainable because it could replace synthetic materials used in plastics and cut the amount of biowaste produced by the Egyptian food industry,Samy said. Instead of throwing the shells away, we can make biodegradable plastic bags,"Hani Chbib, a researcher on the project, told Reuters.

Source: New Strait Times March 02, 2017 11:15 UTC