Korean researchers have developed a technology to convert discarded wood sawdust into raw material for eco-friendly plastic bottles and textiles. The process operates at atmospheric pressure without high-pressure equipment and yields a bioplastic feedstock with purity exceeding 99 percent. Analysis shows it can also cut carbon emissions by 60 percent compared with conventional manufacturing processes that rely on edible sugars. The Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology announced Sunday that a research team led by Senior Researcher Hwang Dong-won, working jointly with a team led by Postech Professor Han Ji-hoon, has developed a process to convert non-edible biomass — including wood sawdust — into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a high-value plastic feedstock. FDCA is a bio-based chemical that can replace terephthalic acid, which is derived from petroleum.