Plastic is a problem. The ubiquitous polymer cycles through everything manufactured in this world. Humans have produced more plastic over the last 10 years than during the entire last century. 400 million tons of this non-biodegradable material produced every year. NewLight-Technologies has come up with a solution to our plastic problem. The California-based company has spent more than a decade developing a material called AirCarbon. This functions exactly like plastic but biodegrades within a year. This company teis to replicate the ocean by building Large tanks full of saltwater and microorganisms that are found in the ocean. When the organisms are fed greenhouse gasses, like methane and CO2, they naturally produce a biopolymer, and then this polymer can become a pure white powder that we can melt and form into all kinds of parts and pieces. NewLight-Technologies mission statement is to protect and improve life by accelerating the world's transition to sustainable materials. Their goal is to combat the plastic problem by decreasing the plastic production and ultimately switching over to air carbon. This natural material can be used to make many items including handbags, cutlery, straws, and much more. Support this company and stop contributing to the plastic cycle by shopping at their website down below.
Authored by Aarushi Kodipyaka
Iyengar, Rishi. “This Company Thinks Its Plastic Alternative Can Help Solve Climate Change.” CNN, Cable News Network, 19 Oct. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/10/19/tech/plastic-dissolving-newlight-aircarbon-climate/index.html.
Kuhn., Tim. “NLT Blog.” New Light Technologies, 8 Mar. 2018, newlighttechnologies.com/blog/.
“Products.” Restore Foodware, www.restorefoodware.com/collections/all.