Biodegradable plastics are usually sought after for their ability to break down quickly. However, this does not tell us how safely a product can be used before it degrades. A research team has developed a strong, biodegradable material made from bamboo sheets and a plant-based plastic called PHBH. The material's strength can also be used to predict how it breaks down in seawater, offering a simple way to estimate biodegradation. The study is published in the journal Polymer Degradation and Stability.