Edible Construction Cements

The challenge is enormous

Researchers Kota Machida and Yuya Sakai from the University of Tokyo recently unveiled a significant breakthrough by developing ultra-strong edible cement derived from food waste. The innovative process involves drying and compressing organic materials like coffee grounds, banana and orange peels, and Chinese cabbage. Unlike previous attempts that required additional elements like plastic for bonding, this new edible material exhibits four times the strength of traditional concrete.

“We also found that Chinese cabbage leaves, which produced a material over three times stronger than concrete, could be mixed with the weaker pumpkin-based material to provide effective reinforcement," said Kota Machida in a press release.

Transforming food waste into construction cement offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. By adjusting temperature and pressure, the researchers pave the way for a groundbreaking solution that addresses waste management and enhances the strength and durability of construction materials in an environmentally conscious manner.