Balloons are used around the world for parties, but they can harm nature. They do not break down and can hurt ocean life and birds. Because of this, researchers in the United Kingdom are making balloons more eco-friendly.
Scientists at Imperial College London have made the first fully biodegradable balloon called the “Bioloon”. They hope to make it available for people to buy in about two years.
Juliana Cumming is a PhD student at the university and co-creator of the Bioloon. She spent three years creating her balloon formula.
In a laboratory, the 29-year-old showed a flask with a yellow liquid. When it hardens, it turns into a soft, stretchy material that feels like a regular balloon. But it falls apart in nine months, unlike regular balloons.
