In a crucial moment for the evolution of the blockchain, Astar Network, the leading blockchain platform in Japan, has announced an innovation that could redefine the concept of interoperability between networks.
Its native token, ASTR, has become the first to adopt the SuperchainERC20 standard, based on ERC-7802, and to integrate with Chainlink‘s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP).
This step marks the beginning of a new era for multi-chain tokens, eliminating the need for “wrapped” assets and liquidity pools.
A bridge between Polkadot, Ethereum, and Superchain, the news from Astar Network
Thanks to this integration, ASTR can now move smoothly between the Layer 1 based on Polkadot of Astar, the Soneium blockchain developed by Sony, and networks based on Optimism Superchain such as Base, OP Mainnet and World Chain.
This is one of the first concrete examples of a connection between the Ethereum and Polkadot ecosystems, a milestone that opens up new possibilities for DeFi, gaming, and creative applications within the Web3 world.
One of the most revolutionary aspects of this implementation is the elimination of wrapped tokens, often vulnerable to security exploits in bridges.
The new standard allows direct transfers between chains through a burn/mint mechanism, which burns the tokens on the source blockchain and mints them on the destination one.
This approach not only enhances security but also reduces infrastructure costs, offering a standardized and scalable solution for all Superchain networks.
The role of Chainlink CCIP is central in this architecture. The protocol acts as a secure cross-chain messaging system, verifying transactions on the originating chain and transmitting the data to the destination chain to trigger the mint function.
Everything is made possible thanks to the network of decentralized oracles of Chainlink, which ensures reliability and security without the need for centralized bridges or liquidity pools.
As explained by Zain Bacchus, Product Manager of OP Labs,
“with the implementation of the Superchain, assets like ASTR will be able to move between chains with finality in a single block, zero slippage, and a unified security model. A fertile ground for the growth of DeFi on Ethereum and beyond.”
A simplified user experience
Thanks to the portale Astar, users can now transfer ASTR from Astar Network to Soneium with a single transaction.
Once the complete interoperability of the Superchain is operational, it will be possible to move ASTR between all Superchain networks with just two clicks, making the user experience extremely intuitive and smooth.
This implementation is not only a milestone for Astar, but also represents a benchmark for other blockchain projects that aspire to true cross-chain interoperability.
The developers of the Astar ecosystem, Soneium, and Superchain can now build multi-chain applications using ASTR without worrying about liquidity fragmentation or complex bridging mechanisms.
According to Maarten Henskens, Head of Astar Foundation, “with over 650 million ASTR already present on Soneium, this integration creates real value for users and developers.
ASTR is no longer just the native token of Astar Network, but a central asset for DeFi, gaming, and creative applications.”
The new standard includes the CrosschainMint and CrosschainBurn functions, which allow authorized bridges to manage the token supply between chains.
Access is controlled through a role-based access control system, which ensures that only Chainlink cross-chain contracts can perform mint or burn operations.
Furthermore, the entire implementation has undergone a complete audit by Cyfrin, ensuring maximum security.
A token, many chains: efficiency and consistency
The unified model of ASTR allows the token to exist natively on multiple blockchains, maintaining a consistent total supply. This approach solves the problem of capital efficiency, as no capital is locked in bridge contracts or liquidity pools.
Furthermore, the behavior of the token remains identical across all supported networks, simplifying development and adoption.
At the base of this ecosystem, there is a strategic synergy between Astar Network and Soneium, the Layer 2 solution developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs.
Astar acts as the governance and staking level, offering a secure and scalable multi-VM environment, while Soneium represents the adoption level, with fast and low-cost transactions designed for consumer and entertainment applications.
The ASTR token acts as a collante between these two worlds, facilitating interoperability and fueling innovation throughout the ecosystem.
As Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Group, emphasizes,
“ASTR has become a true multi-chain asset, eliminating fragmentation and improving the user experience compared to wrapped tokens.”
With this implementation, Astar Network positions itself as a pioneer of blockchain interoperability, offering a concrete and secure solution for communication between chains.
The integration with Chainlink CCIP and the adoption of the SuperchainERC20 standard lay the foundations for a more unified, accessible, and secure Web3 ecosystem.
For more information on the implementation of ASTR as SuperchainERC20, you can visit the official website: [astar.network](https://astar.network).