A newly engineered enzyme variant, derived from bacteria found in a Japanese recycling center, can depolymerize polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—the most common plastic—in a matter of hours.
Directed Evolution and AI
Using AI-guided protein design, scientists introduced mutations to the natural 'PETase' enzyme to improve its heat tolerance and speed. The result is a 'super-enzyme' that acts like molecular scissors, snipping the long plastic polymer chains back into their original monomers (ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid).
True Circularity
Current recycling (mechanical) degrades plastic quality, turning bottles into carpets. Enzymatic recycling restores the material to virgin quality, meaning a plastic bottle can be recycled into a new plastic bottle infinitely, closing the loop.
Environmental Impact
This technology targets the millions of tons of plastic waste that are currently unrecyclable due to contamination. The enzyme can selectively eat plastic mixed with food waste or other materials, simplifying the sorting process.
Commercial Deployment
Biotech startups are currently building the first industrial-scale bioreactors. By 2027, enzymatic recycling facilities aim to process 100,000 tons of plastic waste annually.
