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Scrapping vehicles could soon be a more eco-friendly business. Scientists at
the University of Warwick’s Advanced Technology Centre are developing
biodegradable car parts made with elephant grass—a plant native to
South-East Asia that grows up to 3 metres tall. Until now, biodegradable
plastics have been too weak. Now Nick Tucker and his team have found that the
polymers can be strengthened by incorporating short lengths of elephant grass.
The parts remain tough for the lifetime of the car, but biodegrade when
composted.