Meet Arya Satheesh: High school student invents plant-based plastic that removes microplastics

Eighteen-year-old Arya Satheesh, a high school student from Letterkenny in County Donegal, Ireland, has earned international recognition for inventing Eco Purge, a plant-based biodegradable plastic. The material is designed to help tackle the growing problem of microplastic pollution. As it naturally breaks down, Eco Purge releases specialised enzymes that are designed to help degrade nearby PET-derived microplastics in soil and water. The invention won Satheesh the European regional title at The Earth Prize 2026, one of the world's largest environmental competitions for school students. She also received $12,500 to continue developing her prototype.How Arya Satheesh's Eco Purge removes microplastics as it naturally breaks downSatheesh wanted to create more than just another biodegradable plastic. Her invention, Eco Purge, is made from plant-based materials and is designed to break down naturally after it is thrown away. Under suitable conditions, the material biodegrades in up to two weeks. As it decomposes, it gradually releases specialised enzymes into the surrounding soil or water. These enzymes are designed to help break down nearby PET-derived microplastics, which are tiny pl...