Gizmodo Science Fair: A Non-Toxic Alternative to ‘Forever Chemicals’

Researchers have developed a non-toxic alternative to "forever chemicals" used in food packaging. The new material is water- and oil-resistant, making it a potential replacement for harmful plastic and PFAS coatings. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various products, including food packaging, due to their ability to repel water and oil. However, these chemicals are known to be persistent in the environment and have been linked to various health concerns. The researchers have created a plant-based material that exhibits similar water- and oil-resistant properties to PFAS, but without the harmful environmental and health impacts. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more sustainable and safer food packaging solutions. The new material is derived from renewable resources and can be easily biodegraded, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic-based coatings. This development is a significant step forward in addressing the growing concern over the use of "forever chemicals" in consumer products.