Researchers at the Riken Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) in Japan have created a biodegradable plastic material applicable to packaging that naturally decomposes in seawater. The study aims to introduce an alternative to conventional plastic that maintains the strength and versatility of standard solutions while eliminating their long-term environmental footprint.Existing biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid (PLA) fail to degrade in seawater because they are water insoluble. These tiny plastic fragments, measuring less than 5 mm, enter the food chain, endangering aquatic life and human health.
