Japanese Scientists Develop Biodegradable Plastic That Dissolves in Seawater

Japanese researchers have developed a groundbreaking plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours, offering a promising solution to marine pollution. This innovation marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable, biodegradable plastics.
Scientists from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo report that the new material breaks down rapidly in saltwater without leaving any harmful residue. In laboratory experiments conducted in Wako city near Tokyo, a small piece of the plastic completely dissolved after being stirred in saltwater for about an hour.
The plastic maintains the strength of conventional petroleum-based plastics and is non-toxic, non-flammable, and does not emit carbon dioxide. Importantly, it decomposes into harmless components that are further broken down by natural bacteria, thereby avoiding the creation of microplastics.
While the research team has not yet decided to commercialize the material, the innovation has attracted significant interest, particularly from organizations in the packaging sector.