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More good news from science.
Last Wednesday, a group of Japanese researchers announced the development of a novel bioplastic that is robust, disintegrates quickly in seawater, and can be produced on a large scale. The study by scientists at Kobe University and other institutions suggests that plastic debris could eventually be removed from the world's oceans. According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the ocean contained approximately 30 million tons of such debris in 2022. The newly developed bioplastic comprises polylactic acid, a polyester derived from starches like sugarcane and corn. The team reported this in the U.S. scientific journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.
Next-generation polylactic acid (photo credit: University of Kobe)
Last Wednesday, a group of Japanese researchers announced the development of a novel bioplastic that is robust, disintegrates quickly in seawater, and can be produced on a large scale. The study by scientists at Kobe University and other institutions suggests that plastic debris could eventually be removed from the world's oceans. According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the ocean contained approximately 30 million tons of such debris in 2022. The newly developed bioplastic comprises polylactic acid, a polyester derived from starches like sugarcane and corn. The team reported this in the U.S. scientific journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.
Next-generation polylactic acid (photo credit: University of Kobe)
Japanese team create biodegradable plastic fit for industrial use
A team of Japanese researchers said Wednesday it has developed a new bioplastic that is not only durable but degrades rapidly in seawater and can be mass produced.