RIKEN Scientists Develop Saltwater-Biodegradable Plastic to Combat Microplastic Pollution

Scientists at RIKEN in Wako, Japan, have developed a new plastic material that biodegrades in saltwater, addressing the growing problem of microplastic pollution. The material, similar in strength and weight to conventional plastics, is made from supramolecular polymers held together by salt bridges. When immersed in saltwater, these bridges break down, causing the plastic to disintegrate into raw materials in about 8.5 hours. The degraded material leaves behind nitrogen and phosphorus, which can be metabolized by microbes and absorbed by plants. This innovation aims to reduce plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with burning plastics.