A surprisingly robust, yet green, alternative to plastic packaging has been developed from the hemp plant–an age-old form of the cannabis plant that doesn't get people high.

The non-toxic plastic alternative is a stretchy thermoplastic that can extend up to 1,600% of its size.

The material also has a high "glass transition temperature"—a quality that allows plastics to stay durable when it comes into contact with boiling hot water—according to a study published this week in the journal Chem Circularity.

"Very few, if any, plastics made from natural resources have this quality," said study co-author University of Connecticut Professor Gregory Sotzing in a media release.