A team of researchers from Japan’s RIKEN Center and the University of Tokyo have developed a revolutionary plastic that can dissolve completely in seawater within just a few hours. This breakthrough material addresses one of the planet’s most pressing environmental problems: the accumulation of persistent plastic waste in oceans. Unlike traditional plastics that linger for centuries and break down into harmful microplastics, this innovative plastic disintegrates quickly without leaving toxic residues. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that small samples of the plastic vanished in under an hour when exposed to seawater, showing remarkable potential for reducing marine pollution.
What makes this new plastic extraordinary is its composition—made from biodegradable, food-safe ingredients such as sodium hexametaphosphate and guanidinium-based compounds. These form strong, flexible bonds that remain stable on land but rapidly break down in salty ocean water. Beyond its ocean-friendly properties, the plastic also decomposes in soil within about 10 days, releasing beneficial nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that can support plant growth. Furthermore, the material is recyclable; researchers successfully recovered over 90% of its components after dissolution, which could enable circular manufacturing processes. With global plastic production exceeding 300 million tonnes annually and only a small fraction being recycled, innovations like this could play a crucial role in tackling plastic pollution and protecting marine ecosystems worldwide. More