The University of Tokyo Innovation Platform, the venture capital and innovation support arm of the University of Tokyo, announced that Professor Takuzo Aida has been awarded a research grant for the Protection of Environment from the Grantham Foundation, a leading U.S.-based philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing environmental solutions.

Professor Aida’s research focuses on supramolecular plastics, a new class of materials designed to address the global plastic pollution crisis. Conventional petroleum-based plastics are highly durable but persist in the environment for long periods, contributing to microplastic contamination and serious ecological damage. In contrast, supramolecular plastics combine practical mechanical performance with complete recyclability and biodegradability. Under specific conditions, the material can be broken down into its original molecular components, enabling closed-loop recycling without degradation of quality and significantly reducing environmental impact.

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