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Embark on a chilling journey into the shadowy world of microplastics, 4.5 million tonnes of which silently infest our oceans, evading human sight yet leaving a haunting mark on our planet.

Here, Dr. Ashlee Jahnke, head of research and development at biodegradable biopolymer developer Teysha Technologies, unveils the reality of these unseen pollutants and introduces innovative biopolymer solutions that promise to exorcise the environmental spectre of microplastics.

A microplastic is any plastic with a diameter of less than 5 mm, or the equivalent of a sesame seed. They come from a variety of sources and are best known for their impact on the environment. In the ocean, for example, microplastics have become increasingly widespread, even being found hundreds of miles away from the closest human civilisation.

Microplastics can impact global wildlife in numerous ways, including changing animal behaviour. In a study by Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, it was found that Earthworms were changing their burrowing behaviour in the presence of microplastics, negatively affecting Earthworm fitness and soil condition. They can also impact abiotic elements of the environment, leaching heavy metals and other chemicals into the groundwater.

This is not to undermine the impact on human health. It is thought that microplastic ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress, including irritation and abdominal pain. On top of this, microplastics can induce chemical toxicity, cause oxidative stress on airways and even damage mitochondria.

In a 2020 study, microplastics were even found in the placenta of four different women. Similarly, a 2022 study found that microplastic contamination was found in 11/13 tissue samples from surgery patients. The issue is becoming much more widespread, and cannot simply be brushed away, much like the microplastics that have caused this to begin with.

Infecting our environment

Microplastics can enter the environment from a variety of sources, none being natural. One of the biggest sources of microplastic contamination comes from plastic debris breakdown. Larger plastic items, including bottles, carrier bags and other single use plastics, break down over time due to exposure to sunlight and weathering processes. These fragmented pieces become microplastics in the environment.

Microplastics can also be introduced through personal care products. Prior to 2018, many hygiene products like exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste, contained tiny plastic particles known as microbeads. These microbeads were specifically manufactured and added to cosmetics to create a ball-bearing effect in creams and lotions. Unfortunately, these microbeads could not be completely filtered from the effluent, being deposited in the natural environment. Synthetic fibres also contribute to the problem. In fabrics like polyester and nylon, plastic microfibres are shed during washing, eventually making its way to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Microplastics are even introduced from industrial processes and road runoff, where fragments produced during manufacture, processing or cleaning can be released. Similarly, vehicle tires and road paint can be washed into water bodies during rain, contributing to pollution.

Humans do not typically drink seawater, so it might seem strange to think that these microplastics could be ingested by us. One of the main ways that these microplastics enter our system is through the food chain, particularly through seafood.

Microplastics in the ocean are often mistaken for food by small marine organisms, thinking it small plankton or eggs. These smaller creatures can then be consumed by larger, moving up the food chain. This also leads to bioaccumulation of copious amounts of microplastics in the tissues of seafood, only to be ingested by humans further on. This also extends to filter feeders such as brachiopods and bivalves. By actively filtering microplastics along with plankton, accumulation of the particles occurs in the organism, making them a potential source of microplastic exposure for humans.

Unfortunately, this environmental contamination has even spread to controlled aquaculture environments. In fisheries globally, water which was previously free of contamination now introduces microplastics to farmed fish and seafood, which inevitably is ingested by humans upon consumption.

It might be wishful thinking to say that one could just avoid seafood, but the microplastic anathema has spread even further. Bottled beverages and plastic tea bags will continue to leach microplastics into the drinks. Processed foods have inexplicably been contaminated during processing or packaging. In fact, microplastics have even been detected in the air, especially in urban areas. People then ingest or inhale these particles, though the exposure is still being studied. It is even thought that humans may ingest anything from 0.1 to 5 g of microplastics weekly. That’s a grand total of 260 g annually, or just over 2.5 kg per decade.

Fighting back against microplastics

While the pervasive presence of microplastics in our environment presents a daunting reality, the urgency to combat this issue has never been clearer. With microplastics infiltrating our oceans, food, and even the air we breathe, finding sustainable alternatives becomes paramount. Biopolymers, derived from agricultural waste, are at the forefront of this eco-friendly revolution.

Biopolymers are eco-friendly materials made from natural, renewable sources, in this case agricultural waste and plant feedstock. In this way, monomers derived from the waste or feedstock, such as sugars, are reacted with renewable carbonylation agents from engineering materials, producing polycarbonates. By controlling the types of monomers used, ratios of different monomers and carbonylation agents, and modifying the molecule post polymerisation, the properties of the material can be tailored to a specific need. This biopolymer already finds usage in automotive manufacture and construction, but also as single-use packaging, medical devices and even as an additive to cosmetics. It is obvious to see that from a single technique, a potentially limitless variety of biodegradable plastics can be produced.

There are obvious environmental benefits to using this material. Of course, the overall waste from agriculture will be reduced dramatically, and the environmental burden of waste disposal will be heavily diminished. This also leads to economic advantages for any business adopting these materials. The first, for farmers, is the promotion of a circular economy, where even waste products can be potentially reworked into effective, high-quality products.

Further afield, it is thought that the reduction in waste disposal for businesses will produce cost savings, as well as meeting sustainability goals, promoting a positive brand image and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Recognising the myriad benefits of biopolymers, it becomes clear that collaborative efforts and comprehensive support are essential to amplify their impact. Industries, policymakers and consumers are integral players in this transformative journey. Efforts have already been made to address the issue of plastic pollution, including the international Basel Convention treaty. The “Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal” is a treaty that regulates the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes, including certain types of plastic waste. Originally devised to prevent the dumping of waste in developing countries, it has since developed into a collection of covenants regarding a variety of waste, including plastic.

By controlling the movement of this plastic waste, especially in the form of microplastics from industrial processes, the convention helps prevent their proliferation in oceans and other ecosystems. Moreover, the treaty encourages international cooperation, allowing countries to work together to find sustainable solutions for the plastic waste crisis.

A brighter future

In the future, environmental policies are expected to continue to undergo significant transformations, reflecting a global commitment to combat plastic pollution. Governments worldwide are likely to adopt more stringent regulations on plastic production, usage, and disposal, aiming to reduce plastic waste at its source. This is already being seen with the EU’s ban on plastic glitter on October 17, with expectations that the restrictions will continue to tighten. International agreements and conventions like the Basel Convention will play a pivotal role in strengthening these efforts on a global scale.

Anticipated developments include the widespread implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, which will hold manufactures accountable for products throughout their lifecycle. EPR initiatives will incentivise eco-friendly designs, encourage the use of recyclable materials, and promote responsible waste management practices. These regulations will not only curb plastic pollution but also drive innovation, pushing industries towards more sustainable practices and fostering a cleaner, greener future for the planet.

In the hidden depths of our oceans, 4.5 million tonnes of microplastics silently weave their ghostly presence, haunting the very essence of our planet. As this spectral threat permeates our environment, a glimmer of light emerges in the form of biodegradable biopolymers.

The time has come to confront this unseen menace with action. Let us banish this environmental apparition by embracing the power of sustainable choices. Industries must innovate, policymakers must regulate, and consumers must demand eco-friendly alternatives. Together, we can dispel the ghost of microplastics from our oceans and usher in a future where the unseen no longer threatens our world. Join the movement, make the change, and create a future free from the haunting grip of microplastics.

To find out more about Tesha Technologies biopolymer technology and learn about some of its applications, visit the website.

Source: Water Magazine

Chewing gum may be one of the world’s favourite habits, but it wreaks havoc on the environment. Dr Ashlee Jahnke, head of research and development at biodegradable biopolymer platform developer Teysha Technologies, is helping unwrap much greener solutions.

The history of chewing gum spans millennia.

More than 3000 years ago, ancient Greek philosophers mentioned chewing gum made from the natural resin of the Mastic Tree. Scandinavians munched on birch-bark tar, while Native Americans favoured resin from spruce trees.

Its popular origins, however, lie in South America where the Mayans and Aztecs harvested resin called chicle from the sapodilla tree. This practice eventually made its way to North America over a century ago.

Unfortunately, unsustainable harvesting practices led to the sapodilla’s decline, and synthetic gum bases took its place. One of the most common is polyvinyl acetate, also known as PVA. Beyond its use in gum, PVA is a key ingredient in glues, adhesives and stone consolidation. PVA is non-degradable, a petroleum derivative and makes up to 60 percent of the final gum formulation, contributing to the persistent effects of chewing gum litter.

Tackling the crisis

Chewing gum is a global environmental concern, contributing to approximately 105 tonnes of plastic rubbish annually due to its adhesive properties. According to DEFRA, the annual cleanup is estimated to cost the British taxpayer £7 million. Even worse, nearly 87 per cent of all streets in Britain bear unsightly gum stains.

Despite recent efforts, including a £10 million investment by gum manufacturers to ease the problem, the root cause remains unaddressed: Why aren’t gums designed to be biodegradable?

Our approach to tackling the problem revolves around harnessing natural monomers derived from plant feedstocks to create a diverse array of biopolymers. These monomers, including sugars and other natural products sourced from plants and agricultural waste products, are reacted with renewable carbonylation agents found in common engineering materials.

This combination creates polycarbonates, and through various modifications, the end products can be tailored to suit individual requirements.

The technology can be leveraged to produce robust, rigid materials suitable for construction applications, as well as flexible, pliable materials crafted for cutting-edge technologies. Furthermore, the principles can be applied to make the development of an engineered, biodegradable biopolymer – produced specifically to meet the needs of chewing gum fans – an attainable goal.

Like any potentially groundbreaking innovation, there are challenges. For example, the recipe for chewing gums is a closely held secret, complicating the development of new concepts. Regardless, our focus revolves around the modification of our biopolymer’s composition and manufacturing processes. Through these adjustments, we are dedicated to ensuring that our formulation remains not only safe for human consumption, but also retains the beloved elastic characteristics of popular chewing gum bases.

In addition to safety and elasticity, it must also match or improve the texture, consistency and mouth feel of existing gum products. Naturally, our polymer must also be degradable. It’s worth noting that this aspect plays to our advantage; modern gums are not renowned for their long-lasting flavour.

Despite the inevitable challenges and hurdles, the benefits of biodegradable gum are indisputable. Biodegradable gums offer a solution to the environmental problems caused by traditional synthetic gums. They will be naturally sourced from plants cultivated worldwide, significantly reducing waste accumulation, as well as erasing gum-based litter.

The resulting polymer would have a neutral taste, but the potential for long-lasting flavour. And through chemical modification of the polymer backbone, we can create chewing gum with an exceptionally enduring taste by releasing flavour gradually as the polymer begins to break down during chewing. Many biodegradable chewing gums exist, but Teysha’s differentiating factor lies in its adaptable biopolymer composition.

The flexibility of our patented technology means the gum is not limited to the properties of a natural polymer, but can be fine-tuned to meet the quality standards of premium chewing gum, including texture, longevity and elasticity.

This adaptability mirrors the diversity of non-biodegradable chewing gums. There are countless gum varieties tailored for specific purposes, from bubble blowing to extended flavour retention, and even medicinal delivery. Our technology can achieve all these variations while incorporating the crucial benefit of biodegradability.

It is time to demand biodegradable alternatives and champion innovations in gum chewing technology. Together we can make a meaningful impact, one chew at a time.

Source: Green Business Journal

Renowned biopolymer specialist urges cosmetic companies to embrace sustainable alternatives.

Teysha Technologies, a leading company specialising in the production of biodegradable polymers derived from natural sources, has reiterated its plea to the cosmetics industry, urging them to abandon the use of traditional petroleum-based polymers in their products. This renewed call comes in the wake of an announcement that Teysha’s AggiePol polymer platform has received a Certificate of Biodegradability after successfully passing OECD 310 testing. This breakthrough signifies the availability of a genuinely sustainable plastic substitute for the cosmetics industry.

A report published by the Plastic Soup Foundation in 2022 revealed that 87 percent of products from the top ten cosmetics brands contain microplastics. The foundation also argues that the European Commission’s legislation introduced in 2022 to ban intentionally added microplastics is progressing too slowly and is inadequately comprehensive. The cosmetics industry cites the lack of viable alternatives to microplastics as a significant hurdle impeding the transition to sustainable additives.

In response to these concerns, Teysha Technologies asserts that cosmetic manufacturers must cease using environmentally detrimental plastic additives and microplastics that contribute to the pollution of water bodies and the food chain.

“Polymers play a crucial role in most cosmetic products, from stabilising formulations to prolonging product longevity on the skin,” explains Matthew Stone, the managing director of Teysha Technologies. “However, there is no inherent reason why many of these polymers cannot be sustainable and environmentally friendly. For instance, a single shower with a traditional shower gel containing microplastics can deposit up to 100,000 microbeads into the ocean.”

“These microplastic fragments persist in the environment for hundreds of years, infiltrate the food chain through consumption by animals, and have even been found in human blood samples.”

Teysha Technologies’ AggiePol platform represents a truly sustainable solution for the cosmetics industry. Unlike conventional bioplastics that rely partially on petroleum and do not easily biodegrade in natural conditions, AggiePol has been officially certified as a readily biodegradable material following OECD 310 testing.

“We are currently collaborating with a global cosmetic manufacturer that is exploring the use of our polymer platform to facilitate the transition away from environmentally harmful products,” Stone adds.

The cosmetics industry still heavily relies on conventional polymers as additives, such as those found in moisturising lotions. Although the use of plastic microbeads for exfoliation has been banned in cosmetic products in the UK, microplastics from other sources persist. Fortunately, Teysha is actively addressing the issue of microplastics.

Source: Pollution Solutions Online