12. Feb 2026
Biodegradable film based on local plant polysaccharides
Researchers from the Laboratory of Chemistry of High Molecular Plant Substances at the Yunusov Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), part of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, have created an optimized formulation for producing biodegradable films using water-soluble polysaccharides derived from local plants.
These environmentally friendly materials are designed to be safe for nature.
The films have visual and mechanical characteristics comparable to conventional polyethylene, but they are made entirely from natural plant-based components. Unlike synthetic plastics, they can naturally decompose in soil and water.
Images on their website show films with the text “I’m not plastic – I’m edible – I’m biodegradable – I’m compostable”. The “plastic-free” claim is debatable, but we will interpret this as “not conventional” or “not fossil-based” plastic. Compostability, however, is a claim that needs to be proven via 3rd party certification – which, so far, is not mentioned for this material.
Nevertheless, this innovation shows strong potential for applications in both the food and pharmaceutical sectors, while also contributing to environmental sustainability. The invention has been officially recognized with Patent No. IAP 8274, issued by the Intellectual Property Agency of Uzbekistan. AT
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