KRI, Inc. a Japanese nanotechnology research company, has developed a method to double the strength of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) fibers made from corn and potato. KRI used a proprietary filler material made from an organic substance derived from corn and potatoes to increase the binding strength between the fiber’s molecules. KRI is working to commercial the technology for mass production within two years. Unlike synthetic fibers like nylon that use petroleum as their raw input, PLA fiber naturally decomposes, making it suitable for products such as transparent films for protecting agricultural fields from rain and pests.
