Greener plastic made with potatoes set to be a smash

Researchers reckon plastic which lasts forever could have had its chips – thanks to the humble spud.

Scientists at the University of Leicester have been working on a way of creating a "greener" plastic using plant material.

They have worked on modifying starch and cellulose – used by plants as food – into plastic materials which can be rotted down on the compost heap.

Plastics are normally made from long polymer chains of chemicals derived from petroleum.

However, Leicester's team of experts, including Dr Katy McKenzie, have been showing off their greener experiments at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition, in London, which began yesterday. It is one of more than 20 interactive exhibits chosen for the exhibition.