- 14 Mar 2002
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RIKEN researchers have developed a new type of plastic that dissolves in seawater in just a few hours, presenting a potential breakthrough in the fight against ocean pollution and its devastating impact on marine life. Although biodegradable plastics have been studied for some time, a team from the RIKEN Centre for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo claims that this material decomposes significantly faster and leaves no residue behind.
During a demonstration at their laboratory in Wako, near Tokyo, a small sample of the plastic disappeared entirely in salt water after being stirred for about an hour. Although there are currently no confirmed plans for commercial production, lead researcher Takuzo Aida noted that the project has already garnered strong interest, particularly from the packaging industry. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that plastic pollution is bound to triple by 2040, potentially resulting in the dumping of between 23 and 37 million metric tons of plastic into the oceans each year.
During a demonstration at their laboratory in Wako, near Tokyo, a small sample of the plastic disappeared entirely in salt water after being stirred for about an hour. Although there are currently no confirmed plans for commercial production, lead researcher Takuzo Aida noted that the project has already garnered strong interest, particularly from the packaging industry. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that plastic pollution is bound to triple by 2040, potentially resulting in the dumping of between 23 and 37 million metric tons of plastic into the oceans each year.