A groundbreaking solution to the global issue of plastic pollution has emerged from the University of Edinburgh. E.V.A. Biosystems, a university startup, has developed a pioneering plastic that promises to help solve one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, by breaking itself down when entering water, without producing harmful microplastics.
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Tackling Pollution with Smart Plastic
Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, with over 400 million tons of plastic produced annually, much of which ends up in the ocean. Despite growing efforts to develop biodegradable plastics, the cost remains high, and such materials currently make up only about 1 % of global plastic production.
E.V.A. Biosystems explained that its technology addresses this issue by adding special bacteria to conventional plastics. These bacteria can detect when the plastic enters environments like seawater, where they activate enzymes that break down the material. This prevents the plastic from braking down to microplastics, which has been a significant drawback of traditional plastic degradation methods.
An Award-Winning Innovation
With its invention, E.V.A. Biosystems managed to make headlines by securing the top prize in the Net Zero category at this year’s Converge Awards, an annual event celebrating Scottish academic innovation. The category, recognized the company’s cutting-edge work to reduce plastic waste, awarding the startup with a £30,000 cash prize and
£ 19,500 worth of in-kind business support.
The company’s innovation, which contributes to solving real-world problems through innovation in biotechnology, also earned it the IBioIC Award, which recognizes excellence in biotech.
A Game-Changing Approach to Plastic Waste
Unlike chemical degradation, which often results in the formation of microplastics that stay in the environment and harm marine life, E.V.A. Biosystems’ approach offers a cleaner solution by utilizing biological processes. Specifically, the plastic breaks down safely without leaving behind any hazardous residues. This innovation could revolutionize the way the world deals with plastic waste and potentially contribute to the shift towards a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
E.V.A. Biosystems’ development represents a major step in tackling the plastic pollution crisis the word currently faces. With significant awards and recognition already under its belt, this University startup is poised to make a substantial impact on both the environment and the plastic industry
