Bee nest linings could inspire plastics that break down in soil

Bee nest linings could inspire plastics that break down in soil

Bee nest linings could inspire plastics that break down in soil

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that the natural polyester lining made by cellophane bees breaks down surprisingly fast in soil, offering a model for more sustainable plastics. The lining fell from 73 percent to 40 percent of the nest by weight within four months, cracked by seven months and turned brittle by eleven months, even though similar synthetic plastics resist breakdown. Researchers say understanding why it degrades so quickly could help design single-use plastics that stay useful during use but do not linger in the environment.

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that the natural polyester lining made by cellophane bees breaks down surprisingly fast in soil, offering a model for more sustainable plastics. The lining fell from 73 percent to 40 percent of the nest by weight within four months, cracked by seven months and turned brittle by eleven months, even though similar synthetic plastics resist breakdown. Researchers say understanding why it degrades so quickly could help design single-use plastics that stay useful during use but do not linger in the environment.

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that the natural polyester lining made by cellophane bees breaks down surprisingly fast in soil, offering a model for more sustainable plastics. The lining fell from 73 percent to 40 percent of the nest by weight within four months, cracked by seven months and turned brittle by eleven months, even though similar synthetic plastics resist breakdown. Researchers say understanding why it degrades so quickly could help design single-use plastics that stay useful during use but do not linger in the environment.