Is New Plastic Too Good to be True?

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Unfortunately, that adage is generally held in today’s corrupt, greed-driven society. It makes one wonder if such is the case with a recent notification by researchers in Japan titled, “Bye-bye microplastics: new plastic is recyclable and fully ocean-degradable.” With contamination from microplastics (MPs) wreaking havoc on humans—and all forms of life—and reaching the furthest corners of the globe and the deepest points of our vast oceans, a solution to microplastics would be transformative. Undoubtedly, short of figuring out how to eliminate plastic use altogether, a plastic that can metabolize in oceans and overall generate zero microplastics sounds incredible.

Developed by researchers at the RIKEN Center for Emerging Matter Science (CEMS) in Japan, lead scientist Takuzo Aida shared that what makes this plastic special is that, unlike traditional plastics, it breaks down in seawater. The group’s experimental findings were published in Science on November 22, 2024. This certainly seems like grand news since we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that microplastics, which are tiny particles less than 5 mm in size, pose a catastrophic threat to marine ecosystems and human health by entering our food chain. The extensive web of MP contamination spreads far and wide. For example, after washing a polyester sweatshirt (which, by the way, is toxic; wear linen instead), plastic microfibers are let loose to be flushed into a wastewater treatment facility. Particles that aren’t filtered—and clearly, most MPs aren’t—are pumped out to sea. MP pollution is a massive problem.

The contamination of the earth as a whole by MPs is well documented. And, notwithstanding DARPA spending millions in taxpayer money to fund the ReSource program that aims to turn plastic waste into consumable soldier food, it is a fact that plastics act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and mimic the activity of endogenous steroid hormones, interfering with endocrine functions with different mechanisms. Thanks to MPs, infertility—which was once considered a “women’s problem”—is on the rise in males. It is common knowledge that semen quality has declined in recent decades, prompting those paying attention to question whether plastics could be to blame.

Without a doubt, plastic use has persisted and grown unchecked for far too long. This lawless proliferation is despite the longstanding existence of countless decades-old studies outlining that microplastics (MPs) cause all living things to cease thriving, including human beings. Again, for several years, research has indicated that MPs are lowering sperm counts. Acting as a vector for environmental pollutants, MPs are unknowingly consumed by humans and animals in food and water. These MPs accumulate across the body in human tissues, including reproductive organs—they even cross the blood-brain barrier—leading to the slow poisoning of all living organisms. It’s as if the destruction is intentional.

Indeed, a non-toxic plastic that breaks down in saltwater sounds like a step in the right direction, especially since estimates suggest that trillions of MP particles exist in our oceans. So, what makes this new plastic so great? According to RIKEN, the durable and recyclable plastic developed by Aida and his team fully dissolves in the sea over time. To accomplish this, researchers used two ionic monomers (building blocks of other molecules) that form cross-linked salt bridges. These bridges furnish strength and flexibility while maintaining biodegradability. Sounds simple enough.

What are the monomers, also known as supramolecular plastics? One is sodium hexametaphosphate, which they label as a “common food additive,” and the other is a guanidinium ion-based compound. According to the researchers, reversible interactions hold these two structures together. Bacteria metabolize both components, ensuring that the plastic decomposes fully. Despite concerns that supramolecular plastics might be weak due to their reversible bonds, Aida’s team engineered materials that resist breaking down unless exposed to specific electrolytes, such as seawater salts. They state that selective reversibility is key to the material’s strength and degradability. Aida explains:

“This new material creates a family of plastics that are strong, stable, recyclable, and eco-friendly.”

It sure sounds too good to be true. At first glance, not being aware that sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a “common food additive” is a good cause for concern. Moreover, what is a guanidinium ion-based compound, and are each safe when broken down into oceans? Aida and his team claim they are non-toxic, biodegradable components when exposed to seawater. Specifically, they share that their new plastic demonstrates exceptional recyclability and environmental compatibility—dissolving the material in seawater allowed researchers to recover over 90% of the sodium hexametaphosphate and 82% of the guanidinium for reuse. But how will they do that in the ocean? According to the researchers, their plastic will help farming, too. They state that in soil, sheets of the plastic degraded within 10 days, enriching the soil with phosphorus and nitrogen, similar to a fertilizer. They added that their plastics are also non-flammable and can be reshaped at temperatures above 120°C like other thermoplastics. RIKEN’s press release conveyed:

“By testing different types of guanidinium sulfates, the team was able to generate plastics that had varying hardnesses and tensile strengths, all comparable or better than conventional plastics. This means that the new type of plastic can be customized for need; hard scratch-resistant plastics, rubber silicone-like plastics, strong weight-bearing plastics, or low tensile flexible plastics are all possible. The researchers also created ocean-degradable plastics using polysaccharides that form cross-linked salt bridges with guanidinium monomers. Plastics like these can be used in 3D printing as well as medical or health-related applications.”

What’s the catch? The good ole FDA has recognized SHMP as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) food additive at a maximum level of 5%. In cosmetics, SHMP is typically used in concentrations of up to 1%. How does that relate to its levels when it breaks down in the ocean, and how will it impact marine life? We are so jaded by the realization that, for decades, those in power assigned to protect our health have instead intentionally been on a slow and steady path to ensure we are unwell; this breakthrough plastic seems too good to be true. Like every untruth currently being uncovered, time will tell.