Exciting Research Paving the Way to a Plastic-Free Future

Discover groundbreaking and positive sustainable climate news about emerging research and innovations that could pave the way to a plastic-free future.

For those of us who deeply care about the health of our planet and try our best to tackle climate change by making sustainable choices in our own lives, the cycle of environmental news can sometimes be rather dark and depressing. We need to take global warming seriously and remain cognisant of the realities at stake, but we can also take time to remind ourselves of the innovation, scientific projects, and research that have the potential to make a positive difference.

Sounding the alarm about an important eco-friendly call to action represents one part of a multilayered approach to climate activism. Other layers can include adopting sustainable practices and products in our everyday lives, engaging with policymakers to support climate-friendly legislation, joining climate action organisations, or even participating in climate marches and protests.

Focusing on whatever is accessible, achievable, and appropriate for us to do is essential—and the key to this is staying well-informed and sharing our knowledge with others.

This post is part of the Climate Change Collective, a dedicated group of bloggers that tackle environmental and climate-related issues. The lead post this month, ‘Looking into the Life Cycle of Plastic‘ was written by Alison from A Sustainably Simple Life.

The Significance of Working Towards a Plastic Free Future

Even though we are now at the end of Plastic Free July, a month dedicated to raising awareness of reducing single-use plastic waste, combating this issue is ongoing. In fact, finding ways to decrease our reliance on plastic (at an individual and industrial level) continues to be a key climate concern.

Plastic is a significant contributor to global warming because it has become so extensively used; discovering ways to reduce and possibly one day eliminate dependency on it is a vital environmental step. From its production via the extraction and refinement of fossil fuels to its manufacture and disposal, plastic releases substantial amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide and methane, into the Earth’s atmosphere.

While a balanced amount of these gases is needed in the atmosphere to trap heat and keep the planet habitable (known as the greenhouse effect), various human activities, including the production and use of plastic, are destabilising this natural process by adding excessive amounts. This means the atmosphere increasingly traps more heat, causing the Earth to progressively and unsustainably warm up.

Additionally, pollution from plastic waste represents a consequential issue that needs to be urgently tackled. It contaminates soil and water, harming wildlife that ingests or becomes entangled in plastic debris. Plastic also breaks down into microplastics, which enter the food chain and affect the health of both animals and humans. When plastic waste accumulates in various ecosystems and habitats, it exacerbates environmental degradation and undermines the overall health of the planet.

A plastic-free future is clearly worth aiming for.

It takes more than 1,000 years for plastic to decompose. Every plastic bottle, straw and container ever thrown away is still intact and somewhere on earth. | The Impact of Plastic on Climate Change – University of Colorado Boulder

Emerging Innovations That Offer Potential Alternatives To Plastic

At the moment, plastic is still very much a fixture in the products we use and buy, a fact that is unlikely to change in the very near future. However, research and innovation are happening right now that could see plastic being slowly phased out and replaced. By staying informed about what scientists are developing, even in the early stages of experimentation and testing, we can champion funding and legislative efforts to keep these studies moving forward.

Scientific projects to learn more about include:

A Possible Revolutionary Plastic Alternative Made From Fungus

Fomes fomentarius, sometimes referred to as horse hoof fungus (due to its shape and appearance), is a durable perennial fungus that typically grows on standing and fallen hardwood trees. Research published last year in the journal Science Advances found that its structure can be engineered to create materials with different properties, such as high strength and low weight. This fungus features three distinct layers, each suited for various applications, including replacing plastic packaging and plastic parts for various products and technical structures.

While there is a long way to go before Fomes fomentarius can be viably used, this innovation highlights the possibility of finding sustainable alternatives to plastic. Harvesting this fungus from forests would be environmentally damaging; however, if an eco-friendly way to mass-produce this material can be found, there are numerous potential applications for this groundbreaking discovery.

A Pioneering Algae-Based Plastic Alternative

Research published earlier this year in Scientific Reports has revealed a promising development in algae-based plastics that completely decompose, potentially reducing microplastic pollution. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, in collaboration with Algenesis Materials, have developed a bio-based polyurethane polymer from algae that biodegrades fully within seven months.

Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, which can fragment into persistent microplastics, this material breaks down through microbial action into harmless natural compounds. An innovation that could significantly mitigate the accumulation of microplastics in the environment, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

A Breakthrough Spray-On Plastic Alternative to Food Packaging

Scientists at Rutgers University, in collaboration with Harvard University, have developed a promising plant-based spray-on coating designed to replace traditional plastic wraps and containers for produce.

This biodegradable coating forms a protective, naturally antimicrobial layer over foods that prevents spoilage, extending food shelf life by up to 50%. Composed of polysaccharide and biopolymer fibres, it can be easily washed off with water and biodegrades in soil within three days, providing a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics that contribute significantly to environmental pollution and microplastic contamination.

A New and Creative Carbohydrate-Based Alternative to Plastic

Researchers from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland have developed a promising carbohydrate-based alternative to traditional plastics, as reported in Nature Sustainability. This innovative material is derived from non-edible plant material, such as wood and agricultural waste, which is converted into a polymer.

Retaining the sugar structure within its molecular composition, this new plastic is simpler to produce and easier to degrade compared to conventional plastics. This bioplastic exhibits properties suitable for various applications, including packaging, textiles, and 3D printing.

How To Support Research Into Plastic Alternatives

The above-mentioned scientific projects into creating plastic alternatives represent just a few examples of recent research—there are many more to look into and learn about. Sustainable innovation is constantly evolving and progressing; finding out more is just an internet search away and is well worth diving into.

To further support research like this, there are a few things we can do, such as:

• Stay Curious and Informed: Keep up with climate change news and information about plastic pollution, plastic-free initiatives, and the latest sustainable practices.

• Raise Awareness: Share key information about plastic and how it impacts the environment, and the importance of minimising its usage.

• Use Purchasing Power: Switch to buying everyday products and services from brands, companies, and organisations that have adopted sustainable practices and materials in their production processes.

• Academic and Institutional Support: Find out which project centres and universities are conducting research into plastic alternatives and see if they accept donations.

• Policy Advocacy: Back policies that encourage or mandate the use of eco-friendly materials and reduce reliance on plastics. Campaign for and encourage government leaders to increase government funding for research into plastic alternatives.

In Summary

There is some exciting research currently underway to find and create alternatives to plastic that have less of a negative impact on our planet. Driven by the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its connection to global warming, researchers are exploring a range of materials and sources to find a solution. Biodegradable plastics made from fungus, algae, or other plant-based substances could offer the advancements needed to implement systematic change.

Despite these promising developments, achieving a completely plastic-free society remains an undefined and possibly distant goal. A robust overhaul in manufacturing processes and consumer behaviour is required to transition away from plastic dependency—which is still some way off. Nevertheless, striving for this goal is crucial, as it drives innovation and fosters a more climate-conscious future. By supporting research and embracing plastic alternatives, we can mitigate environmental damage and move closer to a cleaner planet.

What do you think about the research highlighted in this post? Would you support an industry-wide shift to sustainable plastic alternatives?

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Further Info:

Scaling Up Plastic Substitutes is Key to Tackling Pollution – UNCTAD

Plastic Pollution Lesson Plans for Kids – Subject to Climate