Technology transforms flatulence of cows in plastic bags – BBC Brazil

• December 23, 2014

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During digestion, cows expel between 100 and 200 liters of methane per day

In their complex digestive process, vacancies expel between 100 and 200 liters of methane per day. “It biomagia” says smiling Oliver Campbell, director of Dell technology company packaging department, while holding in one hand a common plastic bag … or almost.

The little bag in question is made literally, the air we breathe.

At first glance, methane bags are the same as we know. The difference is that the common models are made of oil, while the contraption in Campbell hands comes from AirCarbon, the carbon extracted from the methane expelled by cows, or that comes off of landfills.

The procedure not only avoids the use of fossil fuels, but also contributes to the diminiuição of toxic gases in the environment. The version from methane is produced by a company called Newlight California.

“(Methane) is reacted with a biocatalyst and creates a reaction that separates the carbon and oxygen in the gas. Then undergoes a period of fermentation, from which arises this plastic material, “Campbell exlpica the BBC.

” From there, we can create various types of plastic. ” He points out that this process is cheaper than oil use

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Fungi

Material created from fungi is biodegradable, and more flexible and durable than polyethylene

Other non-biodegradable and recyclable material rarely that the company proposed to replace was the polyethylene used in flexible packaging and sponges.

The material proposed is almost the opposite:. packaging grown from spores of fungi, which produce large white blocks with spongy texture

To create this material, the company collects the substrate of old farms mushrooms to shape sponges . “We put this structure in the mold and fungi injected arrays. The arrays use carbohydrates and sugars still present in the substrate to grow,” says Campbell.

The material created from the fungi is biodegradable, more flexible and durable than polyethylene.

“We tested the entire supply chain to see if the product is kept in good condition. That it is critical that in the case of damage, this solution would be worse in terms of sustainability. “

Campbell shows one of the sustainable packaging

Scientists are optimistic. “Really we were surprised when we analyze the cellular structure under the microscope. What you see is a root structure with small tentacles are intertwined. It’s like a Velcro strap, better than the original material,” says Campbell.

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