PET process shows viability of enzyme-based recycling

According to the Anglo-US team, the process also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40 per cent relative to virgin manufacturing.

The scientists, as part of the BOTTLE Consortium, modelled a conceptual recycling facility where waste PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic is broken down with enzymes, returning the material back into its original chemical building blocks. This process was compared with traditional fossil fuel routes, where plastic building blocks are currently extracted mainly from oil and gas.

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Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment revealed strong economic, social, and environmental benefits of using enzymes, which opens up opportunities for industry to make a step-change in how these plastics are recycled.

PET is the most commonly used plastic found in water bottles and packaging. Over 80 million metric tonnes of it are produced every year, but less than a tenth is recycled.