New Plastic Bags Biodegrade in Four Months

A new type of plastic made from corn starch could solve some of the material's most egregious crimes

By Matt Ransford

Plastic or Plastic?: A new type of plastic could solve some of the environmental issues typical plastic causes. Photo by Stephanie Chan

Polylactic acid is a polyester derived from corn starch which decomposes and mineralizes into water and carbon dioxide when composted. It's already being used in some brands of compostable "plastic" bags.