A group of academics has discovered a way to convert canola into biodegradable packaging material. The material is derived from a byproduct of the canola plant that would otherwise be discarded. "This is something huge, so I just wanted to find a very good solution to this problem," said Thilini Dissanayake, a University of Manitoba researcher working on canola-based plastic substitute. "It's very exciting to know that we can use these byproducts for good in society." Dissanayake assisted in the development of food packaging materials including canola protein, a more environmentally friendly substance abundant in Manitoba.
The environmental impact of single-use plastics has become a hot topic in recent years, with countries such as Canada outlawing plastic bags, straws, and takeout containers.According to Dissanayake, some biodegradable plastic things are accessible, but they are of poor quality. According to Dissanayake, we need to find a solution to an ongoing environmental concern as soon as possible."Most of the time, these food packaging materials end up in landfills or the oceans after they are consumed." This has become a significant concern for the animals, humans, and the entire world."According to Dissanayake, the team is now focusing on developing a canola-based replacement to plastic bags.