University of Edinburgh start-up E.V.A. Biosystems has developed a plastic that can sense when it’s in the ocean and break itself down without creating microplastics.
E.V.A. Biosystems’ plastic adds special bacteria to conventional plastic that detect when they’re in environments like seawater and activate enzymes that break down the material.
E.V.A. said the technology does not create harmful microplastics, unlike chemical degradation.
According to recent research, up to 12 million metric tons of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans every year.
Dr Alexander Speakman, the founder of E.V.A. Biosystems, commented: “We’re all struggling with plastic pollution, and while there are many people developing biodegradable plastics, they’re too expensive and only make up about 1% of the world’s plastic.
“Our technology works with existing plastics, making them ‘smart’ enough to break down when they end up where they shouldn’t be, like in our oceans or landfills.”
Our technology works with existing plastics, making them ‘smart’ enough to break down when they end up where they shouldn’t be, like in our oceans or landfills.
The new solution secured the top prize in the SSE-sponsored Net Zero category at this year’s Converge Awards, an annual awards ceremony designed to reward Scottish academic innovation.
E.V.A. Biosystems impressed judges with its novel approach to tackling plastic pollution, earning a £30,000 cash prize and £19,500 of in-kind business support from SSE and Converge’s network of industry partners to develop the business.
The company also won the £20,000 IBioIC Award, a prize presented to a biotech business with a product or process that addresses a real market need.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Translating world-class research from our universities into new innovative technologies and businesses is key to delivering on Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy to drive economic growth.
“I congratulate this year’s winners, who are addressing global challenges and bringing positive change across the country.”
