As an alternative to petroleum-based components, cellulose is the plastic's major ingredient.

ENGADGET: NEC builds a better bioplastic from plant stems and cashew nut shells

However, a partnership between Ford and Weyerhauser has led to the development of plastic composites made out of cellulose instead of fiberglass.

FORBES: Written by Melissa Hincha-Ownby

After enhancing its reactivity, cardanol is chemically bonded with cellulose, which produces a durable thermo-plastic that is strong, heat resistant, water resistant and non-crystalline (short molding time), due to the bonded cardanol's unique molecular structure consisting of flexible and rigid parts.

ENGADGET: NEC builds a better bioplastic from plant stems and cashew nut shells

The use of cellulose and cardanol, both plant resources, as the plastic's primary components produces a plastic that features a high plant component ratio of more than 70%.

ENGADGET: NEC builds a better bioplastic from plant stems and cashew nut shells