Japanese Create Eco-Friendly Plastic That Quickly Dissolves in Salt Water

Researchers at the RIKEN Center for New Materials and the University of Tokyo have developed a new plastic material that is as strong as traditional petroleum-based plastics but breaks down into its original components when exposed to salt. 

They claim that this plastic is not only biodegradable, but also unique in its properties: it is as durable as regular petroleum plastic, but decomposes much faster and leaves no traces behind.

Project leader Takuzo Aida says that the new material is as durable as petroleum-based plastic. At the same time, it breaks down into its original components under the influence of salt. Bacteria in the environment will then be able to recycle them, which will help to avoid the formation of microplastics that harm aquatic life.

Since salt is also present in the soil, the material can decompose on land – although it takes longer, about 200 hours for a piece measuring 5 cm.

Another advantage is that the new plastic does not burn, is non-toxic and does not emit carbon dioxide during decomposition.

The team is currently focused on developing the optimal coating method, which indicates that the material is not yet ready for commercialization.