Irish teen invents Eco Purge plastic that degrades and breaks down microplastics

18-year-old Arya Satheesh from Letterkenny, Ireland, created Eco Purge, a plant-based biodegradable plastic that degrades within two weeks and releases enzymes that break down surrounding PET microplastics. The project won The Earth Prize 2026 for Europe and $12,500; in tests both plastics degraded within six weeks in soil, salt water and fresh water.

• Eco Purge degrades in up to two weeks and releases enzymes targeting PET
• Tests in soil, salt and fresh water: both plastics degraded in six weeks
• Won $12,500 as The Earth Prize 2026 European winner
• 3 mg of the required enzyme costs about $2,500