Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) in Japan have developed a ground-breaking new plastic which is not only biodegradable, but able to fully break down in sea water. The new plastics have been created by combining two ionic monomers that form cross-linked salt bridges, which provide strength and flexibility. Initial tests combined a common food additive ‘sodium hexametaphosphate’ with guanidinium ion-based monomers. Both components can be metabolised by bacteria, ensuring biodegradability once the plastic is dissolved into its components. The researchers found that in soil, sheets of the new plastic degraded completely over the course of 10 days, supplying the soil with phosphorous and nitrogen, similar to fertilizer.
Using this method, the team at RIKEN was able to generate plastics that had varying degrees of hardnesses and tensile strength, finding all were comparable or in some cases better than conventional plastics. This means that the new type of plastic can be customised to meet demand; hard scratch resistant plastics, rubber silicone-like plastics, strong weight-bearing plastics, or low tensile flexible plastics are all possible.
The material has been designed as a potential alternative to traditional plastics, which are non-sustainable and harm the environment- particularly oceans where current ‘biodegradable’ plastics such as PLA cannot be degraded as they are insoluble. Instead, they linger in our oceans forming ‘microplastics’, pieces smaller than 5 mm which harm wildlife and ultimately end up in the food chain.
Further benefits of the new plastics are that they are non-toxic and non-flammable, meaning no CO2 emissions. They can also be reshaped at temperatures above 120°C like other thermoplastics.
Project lead, Tazuko Aida said: “With this new material, we have created a new family of plastics that are strong, stable, recyclable, can serve multiple functions, and importantly, do not generate microplastics”[i]
Unfortunately, the positive news from RIKEN Center came in the same week that talks around the global plastics treaty failed in their bid to find a resolution. The UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) talks had been organised to agree a legally binding treaty to tackle the global plastic pollution crisis.
The talks which took place between more than 200 nations in Busan, South Korea, stalled over lack of agreement on whether the treaty would include limits on plastic production. Whilst a draft text was released by the presidency on the final day of the talks, it contained numerous unresolved provisions. The text was reportedly filled with brackets, providing multiple options on key issues such as binding targets to cut plastic production, regulating harmful chemicals, and funding support for developing nations, where no consensus had been reached. Global South countries and campaigners said the proposal failed to address the root causes of plastic pollution, while campaigners said the text was “weak” and lacked ambition[ii].
Over 100 nations, including small islands, African nations and several European countries, back a proposal to set a global target for reducing plastic production. Delegates have instead agreed to meet again next year to continue talks, meaning the UN’s goal of setting a legally binding plastics treaty by the end of 2024 has been missed[iii].
[i] Bye-bye microplastics: new plastic is recyclable and fully ocean-degradable | RIKEN
[ii] UN plastics treaty talks collapse as countries fail to agree targets on cutting production
Lauren has extensive experience as an analyst and market researcher in the digital technology and travel sectors. She has a background in researching and forecasting emerging technologies, with a particular passion for the Videogames and eSports industries. She joined the Critical Information Group as Head of Reports and Market Research at GRC World Forums, and leads the content and data research team at the Zero Carbon Academy. “What drew me to the academy is the opportunity to add content and commentary around sustainability across a wealth of industries and sectors.”
