Electricity-conducting wires are typically made of metals like copper or silver. But researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are working on making such wires out of plastic. Plastic wires are cheap, more flexible than metal, and in some cases even disposable.

The plastic wires could one day be used in products such as military camouflage that changes colors, flexible displays, and medical sensors, claims an article in the April 7 issue of the Journal of Materials Chemistry.

The inexpensive plastic wires can’t replace their metal counterparts, at least for the time being. But the low price and versatility of the plastic wiring could “lead to a variety of new consumer products in the upcoming years,” said Dr. Loo in a press release.