Riken Center for Emergent Matter Science, also called CEMS, has developed a plastic that is not only recyclable and biodegradable, but it also breaks down in seawater. This could be the beginning of a whole new chapter in environmental history – modern conveniences with no harmful effects!

Until recently, most biodegradable plastics would not break down in the ocean because, well, they’re plastic. They are meant to be water insoluble. CEMS worked in a different direction, creating strength and flexility by creating cross-linked salt bridges. The scientists at CEMS tried, successfully, to create plastics with different hardnesses and strengths, and all were as good as or better than what is currently available.

Recycling this new plastic is “easy and efficient,” but it also breaks down in seawater and soil – so if recycling is not available, for once you can bury your plastic! “With this new material, we have created a new family of plastics that are strong, stable, recyclable, can serve multiple cantons, and importantly, do not generate microplastics,” said the lead researcher, Takuzo Aida.

Source:
https://www.riken.jp/en/news_pubs/research_news/pr/2024/20241122_1/index.html

By Eleanor Cabell