Novel Technology Prototyped To Completely Decompose Biodegradable Plastic

The adoption of biodegradable plastic was supposed to be the ultimate solution for the global plastic disposal problem and was heavily advertised as well. But the compostable items we use on a daily basis such as single-use utensils, lids, cups, and bags do not get decomposed so easily. Moreover, these remnants contaminate the surrounding plastic waste as well. This has been considered as one of the major problems being faced by recyclers. The majority of the biodegradable or compostable plastic is derived from a polymer known as polylactic acid (PLA). This biodegradable plastic compound remains intact in the landfills for several years and takes almost the same time to decompose as the non-compostable plastics.

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley have developed an approach to break down this compostable plastic efficiently and rapidly in a few weeks. The method involves regular exposure to heat and water. Using this novel approach, environmentalists and plastic manufacturers can resolve the never-ending problems of plastic decomposition. Ting Xu, a professor at the University of California, stated that the consumption of polymer-based single-use plastic is more prominent compared to traditional plastic. This plastic substitution begets more drawbacks, which may also lead to the reversion of the policy of adopting traditional plastics. He further said that scientists have been looking for a potential solution to efficiently decompose single-use plastics.

The novel technology concept designed by the researchers for decomposing single-use plastic is proven to be more beneficial compared to other sorts of polyester plastics. The new technology comprises an integration of plastic-degrading enzymes between the polymers at the time of manufacturing. The enzymes are coated with a layer of polymer that binds them together. When the plastic is exposed to heat and water, the enzymes enclosed in the polymers layer reactivate and start degrading those polymers. In the case of PLA-based biodegradable plastic, the polymer is converted into lactic acid, which can be used as compost in soil feeding.