The huge problem caused by plastic pollution is now well known and how governments and industry deal with the problem is still a “work in progress”.
The most common form of plastic produced today is polyethylene terephthalate, commonly called PET. PET is a strong, lightweight plastic used for packaging foods and beverages. It is recycled through melting or by chemically breaking it down to its component materials. Much research on using enzymes in the recycling process as an alternative is being undertaken globally. A group of researchers have determined that an enzyme-based recycling strategy offers a better option. In a paper published earlier this month the researchers compared the key factors impacting the economics, supply chain energy, GHG emissions, socio-economic impacts, and job creation potential between enzyme-based and the current approach to recycling. Recycling using enzymes was more sustainable and cost-competitive than existing recycling methods that use fossil fuels. The study estimates that enzyme-based recycling in the US could reduce environmental impacts by up to 95% while generating up to 95% more socio-economic benefits.