Plastic waste has become a significant environmental concern, with only a small percentage of plastic being recycled worldwide. However, a breakthrough has been made by researchers at the University of Toulouse in France. They have re-engineered an enzyme called LCCICCG, which is now able to break down PET, a type of plastic commonly used in bottles and clothing, into its constituent monomers. This development has the potential to revolutionize plastic recycling and reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators.
The enzyme, often described as a “molecular scissors,” breaks the chemical bonds in the PET polymer, liberating the chemical components needed to create new plastic. It works by increasing the surface area of the plastic material, weakening its molecular bonds and making it easier to break down. The process can also handle mixed plastics and fabrics, such as polyester-rich clothes, which will play a crucial role in reducing textile waste.
Carbios, the company behind this breakthrough, plans to open a large-scale recycling facility in northeast France by 2025. The facility will have the capacity to recycle 50,000 tonnes of PET waste annually, which is equivalent to recycling 300 million t-shirts or two billion bottles. Instead of becoming a recycler themselves, Carbios intends to license their process to other companies, allowing for widespread adoption and rapid expansion.
The potential environmental benefits of this enzyme-based recycling process are immense. Currently, less than 10% of plastic worldwide is recycled, with the remaining plastic either ending up in landfills or being incinerated. By enabling efficient PET recycling, this enzyme has the potential to significantly reduce plastic waste and its detrimental impact on the environment. By recycling plastic waste instead of using virgin plastic derived from petrochemicals, carbons emissions can be reduced, resulting in a positive environmental impact.
However, there are challenges that need to be overcome before widespread adoption can occur. One obstacle is the cost of the enzyme-derived monomers compared to those derived from petrochemicals. Currently, the enzyme-derived monomers are approximately 60% more expensive. As Carbios gains access to more feedstocks, the cost of raw materials is expected to decrease. Additionally, the introduction of future carbon taxes may work in favor of enzyme-based recycling.
While Carbios is at the forefront of this technology, other research teams are also exploring enzyme-based recycling for PET and other plastics. However, the scaling-up process is still a challenge for most of these teams. Nonetheless, experts are optimistic about the potential of this breakthrough and believe that if successful, more people and companies will embrace this method of plastic recycling.
It is important to note that while enzyme-based recycling shows promise, not all types of plastic may be suitable for this process. Some plastics may never be able to be recycled efficiently, highlighting the need for alternative solutions and reducing our reliance on certain types of plastics altogether.
Overall, the discovery and development of this t-shirt chewing enzyme have the potential to make a significant impact on plastic waste management. By improving PET recycling and reducing plastic waste, we can move closer to creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. With advancements in technology and increasing awareness of plastic pollution, this breakthrough marks a step forward in our battle against plastic waste and its detrimental effects on the planet.
