Scientists Have Created a Super-enzyme that Eats Plastic 6 Times Faster!
Leaps in science (as well as innovations in sustainable packaging) give us the greatest hope to battle back gigantic gatherings of plastic-borne garbage through the employment of “super-enzymes.” Image Courtesy: Unsplash.com
The title says it all really, but in today’s news is quite the breakthrough when it comes to the exploding issue of plastic that permeates our land, food and oceans. Specifically, this new “super-enzyme,” breaks down plastic bottles (the biggest culprit) six times faster than before (taking only hours). This amazing innovation in planet-saving biotech could be ready for deployment in recycling within one or two years.
Plastic litters beaches around the world by the millions of tons, brought in on the tide. Image Courtesy: Dustan Woodhouse via Unsplash.com
As you’ll see in the linked article below, this enzyme hails from a naturally evolving bacteria that eats plastic, allowing it to be fully-recycled. And we’re not just talking about recycled material that will be limited in use. Rather, what’s left of the super-enzyme breakdown is food-grade plastic material. That’s an enormous leap as existing technology only produces recycled plastic that can be used for certain items, like sleeping bags, sweaters, jacket insulation and even carpets. And at the rate at which we are compiling plastic waste (especially from plastic bottles), this new super-enzyme can help turn things on its head.
Taking things further, scientists are now testing the combination of this super-enzyme with enzymes that break down cotton. The hope here is that the same effect may be created, allowing for mixed-fabric clothing to be recycled (currently a major challenge). Millions of tons of mixed fabric clothing are dumped into land fills annually, so this potential innovation could be another big score for earth.
Read the full article in The Guardian here (as there’s no point in me regurgitating it all here ;). However, I’ve offered some additional resources to read about the state of our planet, with regard to plastic and mixed-fabric clothing, putting further emphasis on why this innovation is so necessary and cause for celebration.
What’s the Problem with Plastic Bottles?
How the plastic bottle went from miracle container to hated garbage
The Environmental Crisis Caused by Textile Waste
Well, it’s not earth day today, but it kind of feels like it. Hopefully this news buoys your spirit a bit as it gives our planet some much-needed help.
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