This innovation offers a sustainable alternative to traditional foam plastics like Styrofoam, which can take decades to decompose in the environment.
Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have published their findings in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, highlighting that foamed CDA degrades 15 times faster than solid CDA and even surpasses paper in terms of degradation rate.
Senior author Collin Ward expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This study represents years of research focused on understanding the factors influencing CDA biodegradation in oceanic environments.”
The WHOI team collaborated with bioplastic manufacturer Eastman, who provided both funding and materials, bridging the gap between academia and industry to create a market-ready solution.
New CDA bioplastic degrades rapidly in seawater, offering an eco-friendly alternative to Styrofoam.The research involved monitoring foamed and solid CDA in a specially designed lab with flowing seawater from Martha’s Vineyard Sound.
By replicating dynamic ocean conditions—including temperature and nutrient flow—the team found that the foamed CDA lost 65-70% of its original mass after 36 weeks.
Previous experiments showed that foamed CDA straws degrade 190% faster than their solid counterparts.
Lead researcher Bryan James emphasized the efficiency of foam materials, stating, “When made from biodegradable plastics, they can be one of the least persistent forms of material.”
As Eastman prepares to launch a compostable lightweight tray made from foamed CDA, the urgency for biodegradable replacements for single-use plastics grows.
“Embracing biodegradable materials is essential for reducing plastic pollution and ensuring sustainability for future generations,” said Jeff Carbeck, Vice President of Corporate Innovation at Eastman.
This collaboration underscores the potential for innovative solutions to tackle the pressing challenges posed by plastic waste in our oceans.