From the highest peaks to the ocean’s deepest points, microplastics are virtually everywhere. These pernicious plastics usually originate from unexpected sources such as laundry detergents, which are typically made with plastic microcapsules in order to retain fragrance for … [Read more...] about These biodegradable capsules could help solve the problem of microplastics
Biodegradable Plastic
Adding enzymes to compostable plastic may help it biodegrade faster
As consumers demand sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, compostable plastic items have become increasingly popular in recent years. The problem, however, is that many of these 'compostable' items don’t break down in regular composting conditions and tend to … [Read more...] about Adding enzymes to compostable plastic may help it biodegrade faster
There’s something fishy about this biodegradable plastic
It’s no secret that plastic is not a friend to our environment. Commonly used types of plastic, like polyurethane, are made from non-renewable crude oil and will take hundreds of years to break down once thrown out. The problem is that humans use plastic for a variety of things, … [Read more...] about There’s something fishy about this biodegradable plastic
This plastic is made from waste and biodegrades within a year
Traditional plastic is made from petroleum and pollutes our environment for centuries when it’s thrown away, so scientists at Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology set out to create a plastic alternative that addresses these two primary … [Read more...] about This plastic is made from waste and biodegrades within a year
These biodegradable straws are made out of methane by bacteria
Greenhouse gas emissions and marine plastic pollution are two of the most pressing environmental challenges the world faces at the moment. A California-based startup aims to tackle both issues simultaneously. Biotech company Newlight, has figured out a way to use a certain … [Read more...] about These biodegradable straws are made out of methane by bacteria