Teenager wins European 2026 Earth Prize for Eco Purge, a biodegradable plastic that breaks down safely while releasing catalysts that help remove other existing microplastics from the environment. She plans to scale-up her invention for real-world use in products like packaging and compost bags

AI justification

Youth-led innovation addressing microplastics pollution with high scalability potential. | The invention directly addresses multiple planetary boundaries (microplastics pollution, waste management) and aligns with SDGs 12, 13, 14, and 15. The youth-led innovation represents a significant positive step toward sustainable material science and circular economy principles, with no identified ethical violations.