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.
No, but that’s been the biggest barrier to these kinds of plastics reaching global adoption. The vast majority of plastics have something to do with food production, or are exposed to myriad chemicals and temperatures. If they can’t do literally everything that normal plastics can do for the same price or cheaper, they won’t penetrate the market. I’m all for them, but it’s gonna be really tough to make any kind of dent.
No, but that’s been the biggest barrier to these kinds of plastics reaching global adoption. The vast majority of plastics have something to do with food production, or are exposed to myriad chemicals and temperatures. If they can’t do literally everything that normal plastics can do for the same price or cheaper, they won’t penetrate the market. I’m all for them, but it’s gonna be really tough to make any kind of dent.