WALES – The joint Sustainable Ryegrass Products (STARS) program, led by the BioComposites Centre at Bangor University and the Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University, is pioneering a technique for turning ryegrass into food packaging, reports the BBC News in Wales.

The scientists have developed a technique where the sugar in ryegrass, often used for garden lawns, is squeezed out and the leftovers are molded into packaging trays for soft fruits such as pears and plums, as well as cosmetic products.

The news source notes that supermarket chain Waitrose, a partner in the project, will be able to use the techniques to create more sustainable packaging for its products. "Moving to easily recycled fiber-based packaging for foods, where this can show positive environmental benefit, is something we're keen to develop,” said Quentin Clark, head of sustainability at Waitrose.

BBC writes that researchers say the project highlights “the need to support the rural economy” and find new ways to use excess grass cuttings to help reduce land waste. Prototypes of the new packaging could be ready in three years.