250+ plastic pollution experts are calling on the European Commission to show greater ambition in the upcoming EU proposals for measures to reduce microplastics unintentionally released in the environment.
Biodegradable plastics may be part of the solution to reduce the accumulation of plastics in the open environment. However, as the biodegradability of such plastics in the environment is not only dependent on the properties of the plastic material, but also the environmental conditions and microorganism present, these plastics should be applied with care and for specific applications only.
Midway through our “biodegradable plastics breakdown” experiment, more significant findings have come to light.
The One Ocean Expedition is a massive sailing trip and research cruise around the world. On the leg from Miami to New York, December 10 to 18, NORCE and Built2biodegrade researcher Dr. Gunhild Bødtker joined the expedition.
To acknowledge and support the One Ocean Expedition, Researchers Night in Bergen put focus on the state of the Oceans, and how countries work together for a sustainable future for the oceans despite conflict and different political views.
The researchers have published a poster summarizing the pilot study conditions and findings on how biodegradable plastics break down in an experiment tank at the Bergen Aquarium.
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