Biodegradable Transparent Paper Developed in Japan: A Potential Plastic Replacement
2025-06-06
Researchers at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) have developed a thick, transparent paper made from plant cellulose. This paper is biodegradable, breaking down into water and carbon dioxide, and possesses strength comparable to polycarbonate plastic. Even at a thickness of 0.7 millimeters, it remains highly transparent. Tests showed it biodegrades even at depths of 757 meters within four months. This technology promises to replace plastic packaging, addressing ocean pollution, but mass production faces cost and technological hurdles.