Break the cycle of wastefulness and recycle food scraps into new materials with the Bioplastic Kit: Reuse Food Waste™ experiment.

• Develop some basic skills for making bioplastics including mixing and extruding liquid plastics
• Become familiar with common bioplastic ingredients—their names, the sources from which they derive, and their purpose in the creation of bioplastics
• Learn the fundamental principles of the biodegradation process with the optional extension activity

In this easy 40-minute activity, you/your students will learn to create sustainable bioplastics by reusing food waste. This kit includes one agricultural waste product called chitosan, which comes from the shells of seafood and shellfish. The second waste product will be provided by you/your students: coffee grounds, dried fruit peels, eggshells, anything goes!

By experimenting with various agricultural and food waste in the bioplastic recipes, you/your students will be able to observe its effects on material properties, just like they do in industry. No prior knowledge necessary.

The Bioplastic Kit series teaches educational, renewable solutions to reduce plastic waste and fight climate change. Learn the science that empowers you to be part of the solution and change the world with the Bioplastic Kits™.