Scientists have successfully modified a bacterial enzyme to break down polyester

The discovery could result in a more effective recycling solution for millions of tonnes of plastic bottles, made of PET, which currently have to undergo a complex chemical process to break them down into their respective monomers for reforming into virgin grade polyester fibres and other materials

Back in 2016, how an enzyme produced by bacteria living at a plastic bottle recycling site in Japan could digest polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

But now, scientists at the University of Portsmouth and the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) inadvertently engineered an enzyme that is even better at degrading the plastic than the original one that evolved naturally

Scientists have successfully modified a bacterial enzyme to break down polyester more efficiently in a move that could have wide ranging implications for the plastics recycling, waste and textile industries

Recent Posts

Trivantage expands Batyline sling fabric line

Trivantage, a leading provider of fabrics, hardware, and accessories, has launched two new additions to the Batyline sling fabric range…

19 hours ago

TESTEX promotes sustainable textile practices

TESTEX has introduced the new Testex Circularity label, designed to support brands and manufacturers by focusing on extending the life…

19 hours ago

Better Cotton to promote sustainable cotton farming in Brazil

Better Cotton has launched a new programme to support the growth of eco-friendly cotton farming and encourage sustainable farming practices…

19 hours ago

INNOVERA shines in Karmuel Young’s convertible design

Modern Meadow proudly announced that Karmuel Young, founder of the Hong Kong-based menswear label, integrated the INNOVERA biomaterial into his…

4 days ago

XYXX launches fast-fry innerwear range with Tactel fabric

XYXX has introduced its latest innovation in men’s innerwear, featuring Tencel-enhanced Tactel fabric that enables fabric to dry up to…

4 days ago

Dhana Inc., Accelerating Circularity to advance sustainability in textiles

Dhana Inc. has partnered with Accelerating Circularity Inc. (ACP), a nonprofit organization focused on developing textile-to-textile recycling systems.

4 days ago