Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) in Japan have one-upped themselves in their quest to solve our microplastic problem. They report a new plant-based plastic made from cellulose, the world’s most abundant organic compound. The new plastic is strong, flexible, and capable of rapid decomposition in natural environments, setting it apart from other plastics marketed as biodegradable.
It takes decades to move the needle on manufacturing lines around the world. Once you make a new discovery you have to deploy it. That’s the difficult part. Unless you have a government mandate, it takes even longer. Companies are lazy and won’t change. Why do something when I can do nothing and continue to make money?
It takes decades to move the needle on manufacturing lines around the world. Once you make a new discovery you have to deploy it. That’s the difficult part. Unless you have a government mandate, it takes even longer. Companies are lazy and won’t change. Why do something when I can do nothing and continue to make money?
Also, solutions like this will obviously cost more, even with further development and scale. It takes legislation to force the issue, so, more time.