Disposable plastic items like food packaging and beverage bottles have become an integral part of many people’s lives. However, they pose a significant threat to nature and the environment.
Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the oceans, most of which are not biodegradable. Unlike materials like paper or food waste, these plastics do not decompose but persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Large plastic items, such as beverage bottles, break down into tiny particles known as microplastics, which can be ingested by wildlife.
For years, scientists and manufacturers have been searching for an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic. Now, a team of researchers from Japan claims to have developed a type of plastic that will completely dissolve in the ocean.
How Was the Recyclable Plastic Invented?
While there are already some recyclable plastics available, a major issue is that they do not dissolve when they end up in seawater. Some plastics can remain in the water for more than 500 years without breaking down.
To address this problem, scientists from Japan’s RIKEN Research Institute have developed a new type of plastic that remains strong yet can fully integrate into environments like soil and seawater. Remarkably, this plastic does not produce any microplastics.
Experiments showed that the new plastic begins to degrade within a few hours of being placed in saltwater. When buried in soil, it melts down into a chemical component that acts as a fertilizer, helping to keep the soil fertile.
Leading the research, scientist Takujo Aida said, “With this new material, we have created a new family of plastics that are strong, stable, and recyclable. The most important aspect is that it does not generate any microplastics, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.”