Researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden have created porous materials using protein-based raw materials sourced from food waste. This breakthrough holds the promise of replacing conventional sanitary pads and diapers made from synthetic substances with more eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives. The study findings were published through the American Chemical Society (ACS).
To identify a more sustainable material source, the team examined proteins and other natural compounds remaining from food and agricultural production. These included gluten from wheat, zein from corn, and natural antioxidant extracts.
In the lab, proteins were blended in varying ratios, with water and baking soda serving as foaming agents, glycerin providing plasticization, and natural extracts acting as preservatives.
Using equipment and processes common to the plastics industry, the researchers produced components for hygiene products via extrusion, generating both threads and flat foam sheets.
The resulting materials demonstrated rapid liquid absorption and effective retention. Tests at KTH indicated that when exposed to water or soil bacteria, the materials broke down completely within a matter of weeks and enriched the soil by releasing carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, amino acids, and other beneficial compounds.
Earlier work has highlighted the health benefits derived from wine byproducts, underscoring the broader potential of waste-derived materials for sustainable consumer goods. This study reinforces a growing interest in turning food waste into high-value, functional resources for everyday use, particularly in Canadian and American markets where demand for greener, responsible products is rising.