Distinguished University Professor AIDA Takuzo Named Japan’s National Champion of the Frontiers Planet Prize

The prize honors studies that present scalable, science-based solutions enabling humanity to live sustainably within the Earth’s planetary boundaries. In 2026, 25 researchers were selected worldwide, with Distinguished University Professor Aida recognized as a representative researcher from Japan.

The awarded research concerns high-strength supramolecular plastics that degrade in seawater and soil without generating microplastics, published in the scientific journal Science. While offering practical performance comparable to conventional petroleum-based plastics, the material enables low-environmental-impact manufacturing and circular use, which were highly valued.

This work has attracted strong international attention as a fundamental solution to the escalating plastic crisis and is expected to accelerate the transition toward a sustainable materials industry.