Millions of tons of plastic waste enter the ocean each year, causing persistent microplastic pollution in the environment and food chains. But recently, researchers from RIKEN Center and The University of Tokyo have developed a new type of “supramolecular plastic” that can dissolve in seawater within hours—leaving behind no toxins or microplastics.
Highlights of this new plastic:
- Made from safe substances, such as sodium hexametaphosphate (a common food additive) and guanidinium ions
- Strong, flexible, and customizable for various uses—like fishing nets, silicone rubbers, or medical materials
- Biodegradable in soil within 10 days, releasing beneficial nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen
- Non-toxic, non-flammable, and recyclable at high temperatures—similar to conventional thermoplastics
Though still in the experimental stage and requiring further development for industrial application, this discovery opens the door to eco-friendly materials that could significantly reduce marine waste and microplastic pollution in the long term.
“We’re creating a new class of plastic that’s strong, durable, recyclable—and doesn’t generate microplastics.”
— Takuzo Aida, lead researcher at RIKENSource : bangkokbiznews
