German researchers see 3G biodegradable plastics as key to marine plastics challenge

In Germany, for more than two years, the UN member states have been trying to agree on a plastics treaty that includes globally binding measures against plastic pollution. In August, negotiations to reach an agreement will continue in Geneva. Scientists at the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) have studied existing strategies and are proposing additional measures to tackle the marine litter problem. They are focussing on innovative, “third-generation” biodegradable plastics to be developed on the basis of the EU concept ‘Safe and Sustainable by Design’ (SSbD). The researchers’ comprehensive analysis is published in the journal Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy.

Their publication in the journal Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy examines concepts of waste management as part of a sustainable circular economy as well as clean-up technologies or demands to hold manufacturers responsible or to continue educational campaigns to change consumer behavior.