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Natural Solutions To Battle Microplastics
Summary
This report reviews biological and nature-based approaches to fighting microplastic pollution, highlighting organisms and enzymes that can break down or capture plastic particles as potential tools for environmental cleanup.
Plastic pollution is one of today’s most pressing global challenges. Every year, we generate more than 450 million metric tons of plastic waste. The damage caused to natural ecosystems is profoundly disturbing. If we don’t change our ways, plastic waste levels are set to triple by 2060. The clean-up will surely be the work of generations. Yet, amid the gloom, there is scope for optimism as innovative companies like the French startup Lactips, develop more sustainable packaging options to help alleviate the problem. Lactips is rethinking plastic. A pioneer in the development of natural protein-based polymers, Lactips offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging that is fully biodegradable in all environments without leaving any microplastics. WIPO Magazine recently sat down with the company’s CEO, Alexis von Tschammer, to find out more about this intriguing solution. Lactips is one of the seven winners of the WIPO Global Awards 2023.