This food seemingly appears out of thin air. Alongside CO2, methane is a significant factor in global warming.
Now, a Californian company has finalised their process to create a biomaterial for cutlery, sunglasses and bags from the gas.
They employ microorganisms to manage the conversion which occurs in a reactor that runs on renewable energies.
Methane from landfill sites, coal mines or arable farms is pumped through the reactor together with saltwater.
By ‘consuming’ the methane, the microorganisms inside produce a molecule, which is extracted, dried to powder, melted and finally moulded.
The biopolymer material is stable, easily recyclable and biodegradable.
Bacteria also help make sustainable construction materials and clothing. Fish waste provides more opportunities to reduce consumption.
