University start-up develops plastic that breaks down in oceans without microplastics

Plastic pollution public domain
Sustainability

Edinburgh start-up creates ocean-friendly plastic that self-destructs without pollution.

A start-up based at the University of Edinburgh has developed a new type of plastic that disintegrates when it comes into contact with seawater, addressing the global issue of plastic pollution. E.V.A. Biosystems has created this "smart" plastic, which breaks down without producing harmful microplastics.

This innovation earned the company the top spot in the Net Zero category at the Converge Awards, an annual event that celebrates academic achievements in Scotland. The category is sponsored by SSE, which supports efforts to combat environmental challenges.

E.V.A. Biosystems' technology incorporates specific bacteria into standard plastics. These bacteria sense when the material is in a marine environment and trigger enzymes that degrade the plastic safely. Unlike traditional chemical methods that can result in microplastic pollution, this approach ensures that the material breaks down without leaving behind harmful residues.

Dr Alexander Speakman, founder of E.V.A. Biosystems, said: We’re all struggling with plastic pollution, and while there are many people developing biodegradable plastics, they’re too expensive and only make up about 1% of the world’s plastic. Our technology works with existing plastics, making them ‘smart’ enough to break down when they end up where they shouldn’t be, like in our oceans or landfills.

The judges praised the company's inventive solution, awarding E.V.A. Biosystems a £30,000 cash prize and £19,500 worth of business development support from SSE and Converge's network. The start-up also won the IBioIC Award, which recognizes innovation in biotechnology, securing an additional £20,000 for the University of Edinburgh.

Latest Packaging News

Rowlinson Packaging protects high-value AI hardware with timber crate solutions
Supplier News

Rowlinson Packaging protects high-value AI hardware with timber crate solutions

As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates, the global demand for AI infrastructure...
Viscose Closures: Choosing the right cork – A guide for wine and spirits producers
Supplier News

Viscose Closures: Choosing the right cork – A guide for wine and spirits producers

Selecting the right cork stopper is a crucial decision for both winemakers and spirit producers....
London Packaging Week hosts first major industry discussion since EPR launch
Events

London Packaging Week hosts first major industry discussion since EPR launch

Leading experts from Defra, PackUK, and the Food & Drink Federation will discuss how recent...
JD Wetherspoon reports £2.4m packaging waste costs under EPR scheme
Business

JD Wetherspoon reports £2.4m packaging waste costs under EPR scheme

JD Wetherspoon has disclosed that it expects to incur around £2.4 million in costs this year under...
CalRecycle study finds 8.5m tonnes of packaging sent to landfill in California
Sustainability

CalRecycle study finds 8.5m tonnes of packaging sent to landfill in California

Nearly 8.5 million tonnes of single-use packaging and food-service items were sent to landfill in...