A Japanese-led international research team has unveiled a revolutionary biodegradable plastic that is durable, recyclable, and breaks down in seawater, potentially offering a major solution to ocean pollution. The team, headed by Aida Takuzo from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, published their findings in the US journal Science.
Dubbed supramolecular plastic, this innovative material boasts strength and thermal resistance comparable to polypropylene, a commonly used fossil-fuel-based plastic. Remarkably, it is colorless, transparent, and made from two ionic monomers. One of these monomers is a widely used food additive and agricultural product, ensuring that the plastic can be decomposed by bacteria, preventing microplastic formation.
The development of this new material stems from the team’s goal of replacing conventional plastics that heavily contribute to environmental degradation. Aida explained that the plastic is both recyclable and biodegradable, allowing it to serve multiple applications while remaining eco-friendly.
This plastic’s unique composition relies on “reversible interactions,” enabling its structures to hold strong yet break down naturally in seawater. This feature addresses two critical issues: the reduction of plastic pollution in marine ecosystems and the accumulation of harmful microplastics.
The innovation marks a significant milestone in sustainable materials science and could revolutionize industries reliant on single-use plastics. It aligns with global efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste, particularly in oceans, where millions of tonnes accumulate annually, threatening marine life and ecosystems.
As this material advances from research to application, it holds the potential to redefine how plastics are manufactured and used worldwide. Its dual benefits of durability and eco-friendliness offer hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
