Scientists have developed a groundbreaking new material made from cellulose, the stuff plants are made of. It’s thin, strong, transparent, and best of all: completely biodegradable.

This new transparent film, described in a recent study published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, may one day replace the cellophane-like plastic wrappers that clutter our oceans and ecosystems.

It’s all about cellulose nanofibers, pulled from sustainably sourced wood pulp. Scientists from China and the U.S. engineered the material to mimic the strength and appearance of conventional plastic wrap—but it composts in the soil like a fallen leaf.

Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth, and turning it into packaging could help curb the global reliance on fossil fuel–based plastics. Early tests show this material resists oil and moisture—key features needed for food-safe packaging.

Researchers cracked the code by combining a chemical treatment (to make the paper more flexible) with a heat-pressing technique that results in smooth, glass-like sheets. The end product is clear, durable, and even printable—perfect for branding.

Before it wraps your sandwich or a chocolate bar, this new material must prove it can scale affordably and meet food-safety standards. But the signs are strong that we're heading into a clearly cooler era for sustainable packaging.