Did you know that recyclable plastics were not soluble in water and soil until recently? This can cause microplastic pollution, which contaminates oceans and soil and can enter the food chain.
Scientists at the RIKEN Centre for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) in Japan have developed the first plastic that is strong but fully decomposes. Tests showed that the new plastic begins breaking down within hours when placed in water. When introduced to soil, it degrades within 10 days, releasing a chemical akin to fertiliser that enriches the soil.
"With this new material, we have created a new
class of plastics that are strong, stable, recyclable, and, crucially, do not generate microplastics," says Takuzo
Aida, who led the study.
Photo: RIKEN
