Scientists in China have developed a groundbreaking plastic that can break itself down after it’s thrown away. This new “living plastic” contains bacterial spores that stay inactive during the product’s life, but spring to life in compost-like environments. Once activated, the spores release enzymes that consume the plastic and turn it into harmless substances. Unlike regular plastic, which can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, this version disappears in just one month under the right conditions.
The material is based on a plastic called PCL and enhanced with synthetic versions of plastic-eating enzymes. Researchers hope this innovation could be used in packaging, agriculture, and other single-use products. It’s a major step toward reducing the long-lasting waste that clogs oceans and landfills. With the help of science, one of the world’s biggest pollution problems may finally be on the path to a cleaner solution.