New plastic dissolves in seawater in a few hours.
A team of Japanese researchers has developed a new kind of plastic that completely dissolves in seawater within just a few hours — a potential breakthrough in the global fight against ocean pollution and its devastating effects on marine life.
The innovation comes from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science in collaboration with the University of Tokyo. In a demonstration at their lab in Wako, near Tokyo, a small piece of the plastic vanished after about an hour of agitation in saltwater. Unlike conventional biodegradable plastics, which often leave micro-residues behind, this new material fully breaks down without a trace.
Project leader Takuzo Aida said the discovery has already attracted attention from industry players, particularly in the packaging sector. While there are no immediate plans for commercial release, the team sees strong potential for real-world applications.
“Children can’t choose the planet they’ll live on. As scientists, it’s our responsibility to ensure we leave them the best environment possible,” Aida said.
According to him, the new plastic offers durability similar to petroleum-based alternatives. Yet when exposed to salt, it breaks down into simple components that are readily consumed by naturally occurring bacteria, eliminating the risk of microplastics entering marine ecosystems or the food chain.
Salt is also present in soil, and tests show that a five-centimeter piece of the material disintegrates completely in about 200 hours when left on land. For everyday use, the plastic can be coated to preserve its integrity during handling, while still allowing it to degrade efficiently once discarded — one of the key areas of ongoing research.
Aida added that the material is non-toxic, non-flammable, and emits no carbon dioxide during decomposition. With the United Nations projecting that plastic pollution could triple by 2040 — potentially adding up to 37 million metric tons of waste to the oceans each year — this development offers a promising step toward reducing long-term environmental damage.
Source: Reuters
