Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed an innovative biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane

The team created this living plastic in the form of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a soft but durable commercial plastic used in footwear.

Researchers just created a biodegradable plastic using bacteria spores and thermoplastic polyurethane that could even benefit plants.

Scientists have developed a "self-digesting plastic", which, they say, could help reduce pollution. Polyurethane is used in everything from phone cases to trainers, but is tricky to recycle and mainly ends up in landfill.

Scientists have demonstrated a creative solution to plastic pollution, one of our most pressing environmental problems. Plastic was embedded with spores of plastic-eating bacteria that are activated when dumped in landfill,