Teen's Plant-Based Plastic Wins Earth Prize, Degrades Microplastics
Eighteen-year-old Arya Satheesh, from Letterkenny, County Donegal, has achieved recognition in the European division of the 2026 Earth Prize with her innovative invention, Eco Purge. This sustainable, plant-based biodegradable plastic is designed to break down microplastics by releasing specific enzymes. Arya received a grant of $12,500 to enhance her prototype further. The Earth Prize is known as the largest competition globally for young innovators focused on the environment. Arya’s product fully decomposes in just two weeks and aims for market applications such as packaging and trash bags within five years, alongside her aspiration to launch her own bioplastic venture.
Key facts
- Arya Satheesh, 18, from Letterkenny, Ireland, invented Eco Purge, a plant-based biodegradable plastic.
- Eco Purge degrades in up to two weeks and releases enzymes that break down existing microplastics.
- Satheesh won the European category of the 2026 Earth Prize, the largest environmental competition for young students.
- She was awarded $12,500 to develop her prototype.
- Only 9 percent of the 507 million tons of plastic produced yearly is recycled.
- Kevin O'Connor, director of BiOrbic, sourced enzymes from Denmark and Germany for her research.
- Satheesh tested Eco Purge in soil, salt water, and fresh water over six weeks.
- Charles Rolsky of the Shaw Institute notes limitations: enzymes may dilute in open environments and high heat in processing could destroy them.
Entities
Artists
- Arya Satheesh
Institutions
- Earth Prize
- BiOrbic
- Shaw Institute
- Atlantic Technological University
- SciFest
- Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
Locations
- Letterkenny
- County Donegal
- Ireland
- Blue Hill
- Maine
- Denmark
- Germany