A breakthrough in plastic recycling technology has been achieved by a Japanese group, where a specific bacteria can break down PET plastic into its original components. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize plastic recycling and could eventually lead to a global solution to plastic waste. Scientists are working to improve the bacteria’s efficiency, and Carbios plans to open a commercial plant in 2025 that can recycle 50,000 tonnes of PET waste per year. This technology could lead to semi-automated recycling plants in each city, where plastics could be processed directly into nearby industries. In theory, this could also help clear up oceans by industrializing a system where sea algae break down plastic. However, there are concerns about the potential risks of genetically modified organisms escaping into the environment. While not all plastics can be efficiently digested, this technology is filling an important gap in the quest to reduce plastic waste.
A new genre of microorganisms may transform the recycling industry
