A research team, led by Bournemouth University, added specially developed nanomaterials to plastic samples which allowed them to self-heal after being damaged, whilst still retaining almost all their original strength. 
The findings could open the door to a wide range of sustainable products and a reduction in plastic waste.
ZCD believes such research and innovation is vital to tackle plastic pollution.

Dorset Council has embarked on an exciting £1.2million project at Avon Heath Country Park to restore one of the world's rarest wildlife habitats, lowland heathland.
Lowland heathland is recognised as an important and unique ecosystem that supports rare and threatened wildlife. However, over the past 200 years, much of this precious habitat has been lost globally.  ZCD recognises such projects are essential if Dorset is to play its part in helping nature recover and meet Dorset's 30 by 30 target (30% of land managed for recovery by 2030).