Scientists create plastic that degrades 15 times faster than paper in the sea

A newly developed biodegradable plastic, cellulose diacetate (CDA) foam, degrades 15 times faster than paper in seawater. During a 36-week test, CDA foam lost 65-70% of its mass, while Styrofoam remained intact. Scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution created a porous version of CDA that breaks down even faster. This material could replace problematic plastics like Styrofoam in packaging, reducing persistent ocean pollution. A company has already launched biodegradable food trays made from foamed CDA as a Styrofoam alternative.