LSU researchers have developed biodegradable Mardi Gras beads filled with flowers in an effort to reduce waste and provide a sustainable future for Louisiana’s beloved tradition.
Biological sciences professor Naohiro Kato began researching sustainable beads in 2021, and successfully developed beads composed of microscopic algae that decomposed within months. However, production was expensive and done the same way as traditional beads, costing $5 a strand while producing the same amount of waste.
Last August, Kato’s team began decided to start 3D printing the beads instead. The beads started as big spheres perforated with holes but have since evolved into an intricate network of specific shapes so that the plants can start growing the moment they hit the ground. These plant’s roots also attract bacteria that help the plastic breakdown further. Moreover, these new beads cost only 50 cents a strand to produce. The “PlantMe Beads” were born.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are made from bacteria and are the primary polymer Kato’s team has used to make the beads biodegradable, with them proving to be as effective as they are scarce. The issue is PHA is not readily made as only one or two companies make it as a 3D printer filament, and there are not many color variations.
The team is also researching Polylactic acid, a plant-based plastic made from corn byproducts. Those producing PLA claim it’s naturally biodegradable and can be broken down within a few months in industrial composting conditions. However, in the wild PLA takes at least 80 years to decompose.
Lauren Rogers, a biology senior, said she and Alexis Strain, a biology graduate student, contributed equally to this project. Rogers claims to have done much of the research, such as observing the plants grow, measuring how long it takes to break down plastics and testing different materials while Strain did most of the actual design of the beads and 3D printer work.
“Whenever we started this, it’s something we both did, but she just learned it a lot better than I did, and she had so much commitment,” Rogers said.
The team plans to roll out the beads by Mardi Gras 2026. Rogers said they are currently working with organizations to get more involved, including Krewe de Freret, who as of 2025 is no longer throwing plastic beads. Rogers also said some of her friends wore the beads to celebrations earlier this week to help spread the word.
Once they publish the file for the design of the beads, Rogers said everything will be open sourced. Anyone with a 3D printer can obtain the design and print the beads themselves.
“We’re not in this to make a profit off it, we’re just trying to make Mardi Gras a little more sustainable,” Rogers said.
To move forward, the lab is working to get more 3D printers and manpower, but have run into funding troubles. Their current 3D printer was gifted to the lab, and Rogers received funding from the Honors College for the filaments. Additionally, Rogers said that researchers are stretched thin and constantly have to run in and out of the lab to keep the printing process moving. Kato is now looking to hire two more undergraduates for this project specifically, but until they secure more 3D printers, they won’t need the labor just yet.