In an effort to be more efficient and use every part of the animal, scientists have discovered a way to create plastic from chicken feathers.
Developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska, the plastic consists of approximately 50 percent chicken feathers, significantly reducing the amount of petroleum needed. The plastic itself is also very light and, because it’s derived from mainly natural materials, it’s more degradable than traditional plastics as well.
“[Prior] technology uses keratin [a chemical found in feathers] as an ‘additive’ to polyethylene and polypropylene,” Professor Yiqi Yang told the BBC. “Our work turns feathers into something like polyethylene and polypropylene.”
While the feather-based plastic is certainly more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based plastics, further research and testing is required to determine whether or not it will be feasible at a larger scale.
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