Lignin is a polymer found in wood and all plant material. It is tough and allows tall tress to support themselves.
As we produce sugar, rice, wheat and other grains, there are enormous quantities of plant waste.
Tim Bugg is investigating ways of using this waste as a basis for new chemical processes producing bioplastics.
Unlike plastics produced from petrochemicals, bioplastics would be biodegradable and not bring with them the environmental problems associated with current plastics.
Listen to the show
REFS
Published on abc.net.au