Dive Brief:

• Plastinova, a new company based in Jalisco, Mexico, established a process that uses plastics and plant matter derived from the tequila agave bagasse to create a product similar to wood.
• The researchers used chemical engineering to create the the material, which is said to be stronger than wood, and less expensive.
• Plastinova said the plant-based material can be used in creating formwork for concrete molds, and in manufacturing furniture such as benches, tables and chairs. 

Dive Insight:

The material is made from recycled plastic and includes between 10% and 35% of agave fiber to create the finished product. The company established a partnership with two tequila manufacturers to use its plant waste.

Plastinova plans to eventually use coconut to produce the material. According to studies, the coconut is expected to perform even better than the agave in creating a strong material.