An Eco-Friendly Solution That Decomposes in Just 2 Months in Nature
The scientific world has taken a revolutionary step against plastic pollution. Researchers have developed biodegradable plastic made from microalgae that completely decomposes in just 2 months in nature. This innovation holds the potential to mitigate the environmental devastation caused by conventional plastics, which take centuries to break down.
Microalgae stand out as a fast-growing, low-cost resource, absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Scientists utilized polysaccharides and lipids from the cell walls of these organisms to create biopolymer-based materials. Laboratory tests showed that the algae-based plastic exhibited durability comparable to traditional plastics, while it fully biodegraded within 8 weeks in compost environments.
Project leaders highlighted that this technology could replace single-use plastics (e.g., bags, packaging) and agricultural films. Additionally, microalgae cultivation offers sustainability advantages by providing ecosystem services such as wastewater treatment and carbon sequestration.
However, challenges like production costs and the need for algae farming infrastructure remain for industrial-scale adoption. Experts predict that with investments from governments and private sectors, this material could become widespread in markets within 5–10 years.
