Japanese scientists have created a new type of plastic that is easily degradable. The invention of the team from the Ricken Institute could give a new impetus to the efforts to fight global warming by tackling one of the most pressing problems of our time – environmental pollution.The enterprising project was presented in “Wake Up” on Nova TV.
The new plastic material is created from two ionic monomers.Both components are biodegradable and can be metabolized by bacteria after dissolution in salt water. What is even more valuable is that it does not release microplastics, which are very harmful to human health.
The new plastic looks like glass – colorless, non-flammable and non-toxic. It can be recycled and transformed at temperatures of 120 degrees. It can be completely degraded in the soil within 10 days. At a temperature of 24 degrees for 72 hours, it can be seen that the plastic begins to deform. At the 206th hour, it is indeed completely reduced and disappears. Such a property could help in the use of fertilizers.
The potential of the new product is huge. It can be used for the production of medical devices and healthcare products up to 3D printing.
How can businesses effectively transition to eco-friendly materials like biodegradable plastics?
Interview: The Future of Eco-Friendly Plastics with Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka
Editor of Time.news: Welcome, dr. Tanaka! It’s an absolute pleasure to have you here today to discuss your team’s groundbreaking work on this new biodegradable plastic. Can you start by explaining what inspired this innovation?
Dr.Hiroshi Tanaka: Thank you for having me! The motivation behind creating this new type of plastic stemmed from the urgent need to address global warming and environmental pollution. Traditional plastics pose notable challenges due to their long decomposition times and the microplastics they release. Our goal was to develop a lasting alternative that could seamlessly integrate into both the surroundings and industries.
Editor: Absolutely! The plastic you developed at the Ricken Institute is engaging.Can you describe the composition and properties of this new material?
Dr. Tanaka: Certainly! Our biodegradable plastic is made from two ionic monomers, both of which are biodegradable and can be metabolized by bacteria when dissolved in salt water. The material itself resembles glass—it’s colorless, non-flammable, and non-toxic. A distinguishing feature is its ability not to release microplastics, which is immensely beneficial to human health.
Editor: That’s impressive! In terms of functionality, how does this plastic perform in various applications?
Dr. Tanaka: The potential applications are vast. This new plastic can be utilized in medical devices and healthcare products due to its non-toxic nature,and it’s also suitable for 3D printing. It’s designed to degrade fully in soil within ten days, which can definitely help alleviate the burden of plastic waste. Furthermore,it can be transformed at relatively low temperatures,making it easy to recycle.
Editor: Those are key advantages! With such promising properties, what implications do you see for the industry and the environment?
Dr. Tanaka: The implications are significant. By adopting this biodegradable plastic, industries can drastically reduce their environmental impact. It aligns with global sustainability goals and offers manufacturers a pathway to produce eco-friendly products. Additionally, since it doesn’t leave behind harmful microplastics, it could improve overall public health, making this an exciting time for environmental innovation.
Editor: Speaking of innovation, what practical advice would you give to businesses looking to transition to more sustainable materials?
Dr. Tanaka: I would advise businesses to start by evaluating their current product lines and identifying areas where they can incorporate biodegradable materials. Engaging with suppliers who are pioneering in sustainable technologies, like our newly developed plastic, can provide excellent alternatives. Also, collaborating with research institutions can definitely help businesses innovate sustainably while staying competitive.
Editor: Dr. Tanaka, thank you for sharing these insights with us! It’s encouraging to see scientific advancements that aim to solve one of our moast pressing issues. We look forward to following the developments from the Ricken Institute and seeing the widespread impact of this biodegradable plastic.
Dr. Tanaka: Thank you! I’m excited about the future of sustainable materials and the role they will play in creating a healthier planet.