Scientists take leaf out of nature’s book to reinvent plastic

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel biodegradable plastic called LEAFF (Layered, Ecological, Advanced, and multi-Functional Film) inspired by the structure of a leaf. By embedding cellulose nanofibers between two layers of bioplastic, LEAFF overcomes common limitations of existing bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), which typically lack durability and require industrial composting to degrade. LEAFF not only matches but exceeds the tensile strength of conventional petroleum-based plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. Additionally, its multilayer design improves food shelf life by reducing water and air permeability, and its printable surface eliminates the need for separate labels, reducing packaging costs. The innovation also aligns with circular economy principles, as the research team is exploring ways to produce LEAFF feedstocks from agricultural waste products like corn fermentation residues, lignin, and even carbon dioxide. This approach could help address the U.S. waste problem