Silvis Materials is working to replace petroleum-based adhesives with biodegradable alternatives derived from plant cellulose to improve recyclability and reduce emissions.
Key facts
- •Petroleum-based glues on labels can prevent containers from being recycled.
- •Silvis Materials uses plant-based cellulose to create biodegradable adhesive alternatives.
- •The company's research into bio-based adhesives began in 2014.
- •Silvis Materials is collaborating with the MIT Startup Exchange to test its products with industry partners.
- •The new adhesive is expected to cut production emissions by up to 80%.
Patty Ferreira, CEO and cofounder of Silvis Materials, is addressing the environmental impact of petroleum-based adhesives. These traditional glues are commonly used in construction and packaging, often preventing containers from being recycled. Silvis Materials is now testing fully biodegradable cellulose-based adhesives with various industry partners.
Development and Application
Ferreira began researching bio-based adhesives in 2014, focusing on modifying cellulose to replicate the properties of more expensive nanocellulose. The company's current formula can create adhesives from nearly any type of plant cellulose.
Industry Testing and Environmental Impact
The MIT Startup Exchange is currently assisting Silvis Materials in testing these adhesives with companies in the construction and packaging sectors. Ferreira projects that the new adhesives could reduce production emissions by up to 80% and require half the energy used by fossil-based glues.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by MIT Technology Review.
