A Plant-Based Path to Greener Electronics

To move beyond conventional oil-based substrates, researchers are exploring sustainable alternatives, with zein—a plant-derived protein from corn industry waste—emerging as a promising option. Zein is 100% biobased, sourced from agro-industrial byproducts, and offers excellent film-forming ability and flexibility.

In the ECOTRON project, reversible crosslinked protein-based foils using zein are being developed. This approach reduces reliance on fossil feedstocks and adds value to agricultural residues, advancing a circular economy. By combining greener materials with smarter electronics, these innovations bring the industry closer to a truly circular future.