Scientists make 'commercial-quality' biodegradable flip-flops from algae

Researchers from UC San Diego and US-based startup Algenesis Materials have created biodegradable flip-flops. They formulated polyurethane foams, made from algae oil, to meet commercial specifications for flip-flops and other footwear typically made from flexible plastic. Immersing the customized foams in traditional compost and soil, the team found that the materials degraded after just 16 weeks.