They're part of pan European-Chinese project.
Researchers at Athlone Institute of Technology are at the front of a major project aimed at tackling plastic pollution.
The Horizon Research 2020 initiative is a pan European-Chinese effort, which will attempt to develop an alternative to the traditional petroleum based material.
It's estimated that over 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced since the 1950s - most of which ends up in landfill.
Dr. Margaret Brennan Fornet says the project is designed to be environmentally sustainable:
Pilot Programme For Parents Of Neurodivergent Children Launches In Laois
Midlands Simon Community Receives Major Funding
Emergency Services Call For Safety This Halloween
Midlands Homelessness Figures Continue To Rise
Westmeath Woman Wins Over €45k in Telly Bingo
Offaly Comedian Urges Men To Check For Testicular Cancer
Tánaiste Reviews Infantry Battalion In Westmeath Ahead Of Lebanon Deployment
Laois TD ‘Couldn’t Stomach’ Taoiseach’s Fine Gael Backing
Disruption On Midlands Train Services Expected This Weekend
Man Escapes Injury After Car Fire In Westmeath
Midlands Soldiers Taking Part In Latest Deployment To Lebanon
Popular Laois Forest Named In Coillte Top 20
Laois Author Recounts First Meeting With F1 Legend Eddie Jordan
Truck Driver Jailed For Five Years Over €2.8m Cocaine Haul
ESB Networks Invests €6.5m In Laois Training Centre
Offaly GAA Calls For End To Allianz Sponsorship
IFA Concerned Over Rushed Safeguard Approval For Mercosur
Westmeath Refuge Centres Step Up Support For Women And Children
Frightfully Fun Events Taking Place In The Midlands This Halloween
Social Finance Boosts Westmeath Boat Club