If self-cannibalizing furniture sounds far-fetched, think again: A new ingredient in plastic is making that a reality.
After years of experimenting with sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic, high-end plastic furniture maker Heller has introduced an enzyme to accelerate the decomposition process. Fast Company reported on the development, which marks a revolutionary milestone for both the furniture industry and the future of plastic waste.
The enzyme, which is mixed into the plastic in powdered form, essentially turns the plastic into something appetizing for microorganisms to eat, accelerating a naturally occurring process. It was developed by the research company Worry Free Plastics.
Crucially for the indoor-outdoor furniture maker, the enzyme only activates when…