Quinoa, a pseudo-cereal that is a complete protein source native to the Andes, is also the raw material for a biodegradable plastic developed by Brazil's University of Campinas. Microorganisms can break it down in 18 days, while conventional petroleum-based plastic can last more than 600 years, lead researcher Patricia Farro, from Peru, told Tierramérica.

With a resistance of 500 grams, either transparent or with a yellowish tint, “it can be used to make plastic bags for lightweight objects, for candy or food wrappers, and even in gardens to protect delicate plants,” Farro said.

The new product will be tested for extrusion processes, used in plastic manufacturing, to assess its economic viability and potential for industrial-scale production. It will also be tested for durability over time. The first samples produced by the project have lasted three years.