Tom Ford and 52HZ want to ensure that whatever materials are put forth through the competition will actually help solve the issue of thin-film plastic pollution. We know that these materials will end up in our environment, regardless of our best efforts to prevent this from happening. By testing the biological degradation of the materials developed by finalist teams, using rigorous and scientifically valid testing protocols, we can help ensure that the adoption of these materials can actually help reduce the impact of mismanaged waste on our natural environment, rather than creating a whole new set of challenges for our ocean and terrestrial environments.