Wood-pulp plastic dissolves in seawater without forming microplastics

This new cellulose-derived plastic uses FDA-approved ingredients and salt-sensitive chemistry to avoid microplastic pollution in oceans.

Washing machine filter captures microfibers as small as 20 micrometers in size

A single laundry load containing synthetic clothing can release thousands of plastic microfibers from nylon, acrylic and polyester materials. Lab testing of an SA-made washing machine filter at Flinders University shows it can be a useful new way to help protect waterways from polyester and other synthetic microparticles.

University of St. Andrews: Groundbreaking discovery turns household plastic recycling into anti-cancer medication | ResearchBuzz: Firehose

Scientists Create Durable Biodegradable Bamboo Plastic That’s Stronger Than Petroleum-Based Materials | Happy Eco News

Chinese researchers created biodegradable bamboo plastic with 110 MPa tensile strength that decomposes in soil within 50 days. Published in Nature Communications (October 2025), the material outperforms petroleum-based plastics in terms of strength and stability, while maintaining 90% of its original strength after recycling. This makes it a renewable and recyclable alternative for industrial use.

Scientists urge governments not to wait for global plastics treaty as pollution continues to grow

Scientists are urging governments to act immediately on plastic pollution, warning that waiting for a binding Global Plastics Treaty could mean years of damaging delay while plastic waste continues to accelerate worldwide.