This is a substance that mimics plastic, but disappears without trace when it comes into contact with the sea; it retains the strength of petroleum-derived plastic, but has the ability to decompose completely without leaving residues.

The degradation process is quite fast and leaves neither microplastics nor nanoplastics, pollutants that the United Nations has declared difficult to eliminate, besides being harmful to the environment and the planet.

The research was led by scientist Takuzo Aida, who emphasized the importance of the new product mainly for the packaging sector, according to local reports.

They presented this resistant, versatile and adaptable material for multiple industrial uses, away from saline environments.

The innovation is non-toxic, fire resistant and does not emit carbon dioxide in its degradation process, according to the research.

In a laboratory experiment, the material decomposed completely after shaking it for an hour in seawater.

Such a Japanese-driven development takes on enormous importance in today’s world, where traditional plastic pollution alters habitats and natural processes, reducing the ability of ecosystems to adapt to climate change.

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