{
  "id": 522798,
  "title": "Traditional plastic forks shed harmful microplastics. Plastic created from sugar is an alternative",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/traditional-plastic-forks-shed-harmful-microplastics-plastic-created-522798",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-10T23:20:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-08-traditional-plastic-forks-microplastics-sugar.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At a Massachusetts lab, researchers are developing biodegradable plastic forks and films that will not create microplastics in the environment. These bioplastic products are derived from sugar fermentation, which the company CJ Biomaterials specializes in. CJ Biomaterials claims these alternatives to traditional plastics made from fossil fuels can help combat global plastic pollution.\n\nIn their Woburn research facility, technicians have molded these bioplastic pellets into thin forks suitable for home composting, as well as rigid forks similar to conventional plastic forks. They have also created strong yet non-stretchy films for food packaging, such as baby carrot bags. The lab is experimenting with making these biopolymers have attributes close to conventional plastics, but which can be composted rather than sent to a landfill.\n\nLab tests show that forks and films break down in compost, with straws disappearing and a tested knife showing signs of bacterial consumption. Traditional plastics can persist for decades or centuries, breaking down into harmful microplastics that have been found in the ocean, air, food, water, and human tissues. The Trump administration aims to address microplastic contamination despite rolling back many environmental regulations.\n\nCJ Biomaterials manufactures polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), biobased polymers completely or partially derived from renewable resources such as corn or sugar cane. These bioplastics can be composted, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and their contribution to climate change. The company is part of the $32 billion South Korean conglomerate CJ Group and has been producing PHAs in Indonesia since 2022.\n\nWhile bioplastics represent only a small fraction of the 400 million metric tons of plastics produced annually, their production is expected to double by 2030. However, bioplastics are currently more expensive than conventional plastics, and widespread adoption faces challenges such as limited municipal composting programs. Environmental groups argue that bioplastics may maintain the single-use paradigm and divert attention from more effective solutions.",
  "summary": "At a Massachusetts lab, pebble-sized pellets are transformed into forks and films that won't leave persistent microplastics in the environment.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Traditional plastic forks shed harmful microplastics. Plastic created from sugar is an alternative",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/traditional-plastic-forks-shed-harmful-microplastics-plastic-created-474511",
        "published": "2026-08-10T13:02:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "Traditional plastic forks shed harmful microplastics. Plastic created from sugar is an alternative",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/traditional-plastic-forks-shed-harmful-microplastics-plastic-created",
        "published": "2026-08-10T13:23:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}