Scientists turn grapevine waste into stronger plastic alternative

Researchers at South Dakota State University, led by Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy, have developed a biodegradable plastic-like film made from grapevine canes, an agricultural waste product. These canes, typically discarded or composted after grape harvests, are rich in cellulose—a naturally strong and rigid biopolymer. By drying, grinding, and extracting cellulose from the canes, the team created films that are stronger than traditional plastic bags and decompose fully within 17 days in soil, addressing significant issues related to plastic pollution and waste management. This innovation leverages an abundant, low-water-content biomass that is usually underutilized, turning it into a sustainable packaging alternative with high transparency, which is beneficial for food packaging by enhancing product visibility. The researchers emphasize that this approach not only offers an eco-friendly substitute to single-use plastics but also supports the circular bioeconomy by adding value to agricultural byproducts. The study marks a significant step toward producing biodegradable plastic-like bags, aligning with broader environmental