Fish heads are a hit in China. They’re said to be good for the brain, and often reserved for dinner guests as a mark of respect.
The same cannot be said for polyurethane-based materials – derived from crude oil, and often found in everyday objects such as fridges and shoes.
A research team at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada) is investigating how the remains of Atlantic salmon can help produce more sustainable plastics.
Oil extracted from the heads, bones, skin and intestines of fish is combined with oxygen to form molecules which are similar to epoxy resin. Then, CO2 and amino acids are added.
Initial results suggest the new material degrades easily in water. Let’s hope it’s popular soon too.
