Amazon bromeliad could be alternative to petroleum plastics
Research into a species of bromeliad native to the Amazon and similar to the pineapple—the Ananas erectifolius, also known as the curauá—has shown high potential as a sustainable alternative for petrochemical plastics. The study, conducted at the Amazon Bio-Business Center (CBA) in Manaus, is being carried out with family farmers.In cooperation with other institutions, CBA supplies the seedlings, trains producers in planting and fiber production, and join efforts with a company to produce the bioplastic.“Our idea is to develop production chains and bring development, income, and a social and environmental appeal to the interior of our state. Patents have been registered for ballistic vests, beams for buildings, and anti-earthquake materials—all owing to the great elasticity and resista...