Diverging paths to green innovation: Genetic and chemical routes to next-gen bioplastics

As plastic pollution and materials sustainability rise to the forefront of global concern, new research is pushing the frontier of what bioplastics can be. Two recent works published in Matter address this challenge from two distinct perspectives: one through the genetic programming of living bioplastics, and the other through molecular restructuring of natural polymers for greener applications. Together, these studies chart a path toward multifunctional, programmable materials that move beyond traditional sustainability standards.