Arya Satheesh, an 18-year-old from Ireland, has created a new type of plastic called Eco Purge. Unlike regular plastic, Eco Purge doesn’t break down into microplastics—pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter. Instead, it’s biodegradable. And as the plant-based plastic breaks down naturally, it releases a special enzyme—a biological molecule that speeds up chemical reactions. This enzyme destroys existing microplastics, cleaning up plastic waste from the environment!
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Changemaker
Teen Invents Plastic With a Purpose
COURTESY OF ARYA SATHEESH
PRIZE-WINNING INVENTOR: Arya Satheesh, age 18, holding a prototype of her invention, Eco Purge plastic
COURTESY OF ARYA SATHEESH
BREAKING DOWN: It takes two weeks for Eco Purge to degrade and release its enzymes into the environment, breaking down surrounding microplastics.
This invention earned Satheesh the European regional title in The Earth Prize 2026, an international environmental competition for teens. “I wanted to create something that could help tackle the plastic problem directly,” says Satheesh. She hopes Eco Purge can someday be used in packaging.
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