Ukrainian student invents eco-friendly material for biodegradable plastic bags
David Stepanenko, an 11th-grade student of the Financial and Economic Lyceum of Dnipro, invented an eco-friendly alternative to polyethylene for biodegradable bags.
David and his scientific supervisor developed a biopolymer for two years. So far, they created three successful samples of material for bags that can be decomposed in just three months.
The biopolymer was created from calcium alginate (the compound does not dissolve in water and other liquids) with the addition of agar-agar and starch.
The inventor has already presented his invention at scientific festivals in Croatia, Thailand, and Tunisia. In two months, the student will perform at the international competition in the USA, "Olympics of Geniuses."
Ukrainians are known for their eco-solutions. In 2021, inventors created projects on generating energy from trees, getting caterpillars to eat waste plastic, and using biodegradable cords to support plants growing in greenhouses. The state government's policy implemented its decision to reduce the amount of plastic bags for sale, offering an eco-friendly alternative. One can find them in any store.
