Scientists have created shoes that biodegrade in seawater sufficiently for marine life to consume them.
They assert that the plastic substitute could reduce ocean pollution by deteriorating to the point where marine life can ingest it.
Shoes make up a significant portion of the plastic trash found in the world's oceans and landfills.
Oils obtained from algae are used to make around half of the polyurethane foam.
An isocyanate derived from petroleum is used to make the remaining half.
Microorganisms can still eat the isocyanate and it is still biodegradable.
It was discovered that the polyurethane began to break down after just four weeks.