What happens if bioplastics end up in the environment? In this episode, Anja takes a closer look at synthetic polymers that are marketed as more environmentally friendly. Can they contribute to a healthier planet? If so, in what way? Anja talks to Frederik Wurm, a chemist developing biodegradable plastics; Constance Ißbrücker of the industry association European Bioplastics; Zero Waste expert Enzo Favoino; the marine microbiologist Linda Amaral-Zettler; and the ecotoxicologist Lisa Zimmermann. While biodegradable plastics might not fulfill all our hopes, it turns out they might make sense in some niche applications.
Music: Dorian Roy and Blue Dot Sessions
Cover art: Maren von Stockhausen
Thanks to: Ines Blaesius, Stephanie Hood, Luisa Beck, Sirine Rached, MPIWG, University of Plymouth, Marcus Anhäuser
German post on RiffReporter
This episode was inspired and partly supported by Ensia, the solutions-focused nonprofit media outlet reporting on our changing planet. Read Anja’s Ensia article on bioplastics.
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