Engineer Christian Olivares shows a sheet of PVA, which could help prevent ecological damage in the world's oceans. CLAUDIO REYES/FOR CHINA DAILY

A major threat?

Plastic pollution is considered a major threat to oceans worldwide.

During World Oceans Day on June 8, Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, called on the world to stop plastic pollution contaminating the oceans.

Eighty percent of all pollution in the sea comes from the land, including about 8 million tons of plastic waste every year, which has resulted in the deaths of 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals.

Besides Chile, Britain is set to ban all sales of single-use plastics, including plastic straws and cotton swabs. Kenya and Morocco already have similar restrictions.

"Bags are just the start. We can also use modified PVA to make glass lids, straws and diapers, and to replace products made from petrochemical plastics," Astete said.

"My country is small but the people share a similar goal－to have a beautiful, clean environment. It's also the aspiration of all humanity."