Can Grapevines Help Slow the Plastic Waste Problem? Overview A new study by South Dakota State University (SDSU) has shown that grapevine canes can be transformed into a plastic-like film that is stronger than conventional plastic and biodegrades quickly in the environment. This innovation aims to address the critical need for biodegradable packaging materials to reduce plastic pollution. The Plastic Waste Crisis Most packaging today is single-use plastic made from nonrenewable crude oil derivatives. Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose; only 9% is recycled. Huge floating plastic garbage patches form in oceans ("Great Pacific Garbage Patch"). Plastic breaks down into harmful micro- and nano-plastics found everywhere, including within the human body, with unknown long-term health risks. Research Focus: Cellulose-Based Bioplastics Srinivas Janaswamy, SDSU associate professor of Dairy and Food Science, researches value-added products from biowaste and agricultural byproducts to combat plastic waste. The key material: Cellulose—the most abundant organic substance on Earth, found in plant cell walls, giving them strength and rigidity. Previous projects extracted cellulose from avocado peels, soyhulls, alfalfa, switchgrass, coffee grounds, corncob, and banana peels to create biodegradable films for packaging. The Breakthrough with Grapevine Canes Collaboration with Anne Fennell, SDSU Distinguished Professor and grapevine expert, who identified grapevine canes as a rich, abundant cellulose source post-harvest with limited current use. Grapevine canes are pruned annually and usually composted, burned, or left in fields. Their low water content and dense cellulose make them ideal for bioplastic film production. SDSU researchers dried, ground, and extracted cellulose from grapevine canes and produced films by solubilizing and casting cellulose residues on glass plates. Key Findings The grapevine cane films are transparent and have high tensile strength, surpassing traditional plastic bags. They biodegrade completely in soil within 17 days, leaving no harmful residue. High transparency aids product visibility and quality inspection in packaging applications. This method could enhance agricultural waste management and contribute to sustainability and a circular bioeconomy. Implications and Future Goals Producing eco-friendly plastic-like films from underutilized grapevine prunings supports environmental conservation. Progressing towards biodegradable, strong plastic bag alternatives that decompose quickly in nature. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Science Foundation. Visuals and Media Images of grapevine canes, extracted cellulose, films, and lab work with researchers included. A related video titled "Byproducts to Bioplastics | SDState Research" is available online. --- Contact and Further Information: Research led by Srinivas Janaswamy, Department of Dairy and Food Science at SDSU. Article by Addison DeHaven, SDSU News Center. For more about SDSU and related topics, visit: Division of Research and Economic Development College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Department of Dairy and Food Science Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science --- This summary consolidates the key points from SDSU’s research news on bioplastic films derived from grapevine canes that offer promising sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.