New plant-based technologies aim to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution

Researchers and inventors are developing new plant-based materials to combat plastic pollution and microplastics.

A study published in Applied Surface Science details how dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma technology can be used to coat cellulosic nanofibril (CNF) films. This process improves moisture resistance and reduces water absorption to less than 1%, potentially allowing renewable, biodegradable plant and tree fibers to replace petroleum-based plastic wraps in packaging.

In a separate development, 18-year-old Arya Satheesh has created ‘Eco Purge’, a plant-based plastic designed to decompose while helping to break down existing microplastics in the environment. Developed with assistance from researcher Kevin O’Connor at BiOrbic in Ireland, the material successfully decomposed alongside microplastics in soil and water during testing. Satheesh received the European regional title at The Earth Prize for her invention.