Animal parts thought to be vectors for the spread of BSE, which are now discarded during the slaughter process, may soon be used to make plastics.
University of Alberta researchers have found a new process to turn animal protein into plastic, which could divert thousands of tonnes of the so-called specified risk material away from landfills.
Some bioplastics have not worked well in the past but researcher David Bressler said the Alberta team has discovered and patented a technique to make a strong, high-end plastic with industrial uses.
“Many of the renewable plastics are made from things like starch,” said Bressler.
“We are using a material that has a cost and an environmental impact so we see that we are in a much better position than almost any other renewable plastic out there,” he said.
Since BSE was found in Canadian cattle, packing plants have been forced to remove various cattle parts thought to harbour the prions responsible for causing the disease. However it is costly the parts, such as brains, spinal cords and glands, and send them to a landfill.
The Alberta Prion Research Institute, PrioNet Canada and the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency have funded Bressler and his team in their quest to add value to coproducts from the beef business.
