A new study has uncovered a potential environmental and health hazard lurking in many households: melamine sponges, commonly known as "magic" sponges. These cleaning tools, praised for their effectiveness, may release trillions of microplastic particles into the environment each month, according to research published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal.

Researchers from Nanjing University in China found that these sponges, made of a network of hard plastic strands formed into a lightweight foam, break down during use, releasing tiny plastic particles called microplastics. These particles can potentially enter the water supply and food chain, raising concerns about their impact on human health and the environment.

The study revealed that on average, a single sponge releases approximately 6.5 million fibers per gram of worn-out material. Using sales data from a major online retailer and assuming a 10% wear rate, the researchers estimated that roughly 1.55 trillion microplastic fibers could be released from these sponges every month.

"[Our results] suggest a global overall emission of 4.9 trillion microplastic fibers due to sponge consumption," the researchers write. They note that this figure likely underestimates the true scale of the problem, as it only accounts for one online retailer.

While the full extent of microplastics' impact on human health is still being studied, there are concerns about their potential effects. These particles may contain chemicals that disrupt the body's hormone release, potentially increasing the risk of reproductive disorders and certain cancers. Additionally, they may carry toxic compounds such as heavy metals on their surface.

The density of the sponge material plays a crucial role in the release of microplastics. The study found that denser foam sponges wore down more slowly and produced fewer microplastic fibers compared to less dense varieties.

In light of these findings, the researchers recommend that manufacturers focus on creating denser, more durable sponges to minimize microplastic emissions. They also suggest that consumers consider switching to natural cleaning products that are not based on plastics.

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In a groundbreaking move to reduce plastic waste, Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain, has launched a trial to replace plastic stickers on avocados with laser-etched labels. The initiative, which began this month in collaboration with fruit supplier Westfalia, aims to eliminate the use of nearly a million plastic stickers on Tesco's extra-large avocados alone. This innovative approach involves using computer-guided lasers to remove a tiny layer of the avocado's skin in less than a second, leaving a design that communicates essential information such as size or variety to customers.

The trial is currently underway in approximately 270 Tesco stores across south-east England. If customer feedback is positive, the retailer plans to roll out the scheme across its entire network. In addition to the laser-etched labels, Tesco is also testing a switch from plastic trays to more easily recyclable cardboard packaging for some twin-packs of avocados. This change could potentially save more than 20 million pieces of plastic annually, with the potential to increase to 25 million pieces across the pre-packed range.

Tesco's avocado buyer, Lisa Gilbey, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We're always looking for innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of our products and cut down on plastic waste in the home through changes to our packaging. We're really excited to hear customer feedback on our new laser-etched avocados, avoiding the need for a barcode sticker that can easily be forgotten and left on when recycling through household food waste." This initiative comes at a time when Tesco has witnessed a 15% year-on-year increase in avocado sales, despite concerns about the fruit's carbon footprint and ethical standards on farms.

Westfalia Fruit, the UK's main avocado supplier based in Spalding, Lincolnshire, has been instrumental in this eco-friendly endeavor. Graham Isaac, the general manager of Westfalia Fruit, commented, "We are confident that, with a clear focus and united effort as an industry, we will be able to significantly reduce our waste, use natural resources responsibly, and protect the environment and biodiversity for all our futures." The company has conducted extensive trials to ensure that the laser etching process does not compromise the quality, shelf life, or taste of the avocados.

Tesco is not the first retailer to explore this technology. The Spanish company Laser Food, which has collaborated with retailers, has also tested laser labeling on various fruits, from coconuts to apples. As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, initiatives like these could pave the way for a significant reduction in plastic waste across the food industry.

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BGN Technologies, the technology transfer company of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, has signed a research collaboration agreement with Portugal's ECOIBÉRIA in the field of plastic recycling by bacteria, the university announced Wednesday.

The project is based on research by Professor Ariel Kushmaro and ProfessorAlex Sivan, both from the Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering at BGU.

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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most abundantly used polymer in the world, with multiple applications in the textile industry as well as in food and beverage packaging. An estimated 56 million tons of PET are produced yearly worldwide, mostly as single-use packaging.

Kushmaro, Sivan and their team have been studying plastic biodegradation and have discovered several bacteria species that are able to biodegrade polyethylene, which was previously considered a non-biodegradable plastic.

Based on these findings, the research collaboration project will assess PET biodegradation by previously identified bacteria as well as novel ones, with the aim of developing an efficient biodegradation process of PET. Byproducts of the process would be used to make recycled PET.

Products that contain plastic are cone of the "biggest environmental challenges facing modern society," Kushmaro said, calling bacterial degradation of PET into recyclable materials a "promising strategy that can have a global environmental and economic impact."

ECOIBÉRIA CEO Jorge Lemos said that his company's mission was to guarantee the sustainability of the production and consumption models and "assist in the transition from the linear economy to the circular economy."

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