Current cellulose based plastics include large amounts of petroleum-based additives, which results in a low plant component ratio.

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

However, these modified celluloses require large amounts of petroleum-based additives such as plasticizers, which results in bioplastics with a low plant component ratio and poor durability, including heat resistance and water resistance.

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