Fibre developer Teijin has unveiled a new polylactic acid (PLA) resin that it says will biodegrade faster in oceans, rivers and soil than conventional PLA products do. 

The Japanese group explained that it has added a new biodegradation accelerator to the polymer, and claims that this improves its biodegradation rate without impairing strength, mouldability or other properties.

According to Teijin, the new PLA resin will help reduce microplastics in the environment. It said reductions in CO2 emissions were also possible because the new resin is made from plant-derived raw materials.

It will begin producing and selling pellets, injection- and extrusion-moulded products, textiles and non-woven fabrics made with its new PLA resin in 2023.

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