The problem of plastic pollution has found a potentially revolutionary solution: a new type of plastic that dissolves rapidly in salt water without leaving microplastics behind . This innovation, created by environmental scientists, could drastically reduce the impact of plastic waste on the oceans.

This biodegradable plastic has been designed with a chemical structure that reacts with salt water and breaks down into non-toxic organic compounds. Unlike conventional plastics, which can take centuries to degrade and fragment into microscopic particles harmful to marine life, this new material disappears in a matter of days or weeks without a trace.

The potential applications of this discovery are enormous. It could be used in the manufacture of plastic bags, packaging, single-use utensils, and fishing nets , significantly reducing ocean pollution. Furthermore, its production could be optimized so that its degradation is triggered only upon contact with saltwater, allowing for its safe use in urban environments.

Although the plastic is still in the testing phase, several companies have expressed interest in implementing it in their products. This advancement represents a crucial step in the fight against the plastic crisis and the environmental damage it causes to marine ecosystems.