E.V.A. Biosystems, a University of Edinburgh start-up, has created plastic that breaks down without creating microplastics when in contact with ocean water.
The technology involves adding special bacteria to conventional plastics that can detect seawater and activate enzymes that break down the plastic.
Unlike chemical degradation, which can create harmful microplastics, E.V.A's innovative technology can prevent these waste products.
'Smart' Enough To Break Down
“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," said Dr Alexander Speakman, founder of E.V.A. Biosystems.
“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,” he added.
The so called 'self-destructive' plastic was awarded the top prize in the SSE-sponsored Net Zero category at this year’s Converge Awards, an annual awards ceremony that recognises Scottish academic innovation.
E.V.A. Biosystems' innovation impressed judges with its approach to tackling plastic pollution.
It won 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 IBioIC Award, a prize presented to an innovative biotech business with a product or process that addresses a real market need, netting £20,000 for the University of Edinburgh.
Up to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic make their way into the world's oceans every year, according to recent research.
Other Recognitions
Ujamaa Spice, another startup from the University of Edinburgh, won in the Create Change category, which focuses on creative, social, and impact-driven enterprises.
Founded by Jawahir Al-Mauly, Ujamaa Spice is revolutionising the £17-billion global spice industry by forging close partnerships with smallholder farmers in Zanzibar and assuming full control of their supply chain.
The initiative ensures quality spices for UK consumers and combats food crime and exploitation in the industry.
In the KickStart category, designed for early-stage ideas, SEASAT from the University of Edinburgh secured the top prize.
SEASAT, founded by Solomon White, allows fish farms to predict and react to potential threats, thereby, enhancing their operational efficiency.
It uses satellite images and machine learning to monitor coastal water conditions, providing an early warning system for the aquaculture industry.
In the Net Zero, SolarSub from the University of Edinburgh emerged as runner-up.
Co-founded by Sebastiaan Schalkwijk and James Taylor, SolarSub has developed a highly efficient cooling system for floating solar panels, addressing the challenge of overheating and reduced efficiency in water-based solar farms.
