Enzymes could unlock biological recycling of difficult plastic waste

Researchers are exploring enzymes as a way to biologically break down hard-to-recycle plastics. More than 400 million metric tons of plastic are produced annually, and much of it is poorly recycled, increasing environmental burden.

• Annual plastic production exceeds 400 million metric tons
• A large share of plastic waste is recycled insufficiently
• Enzymes are seen as a route to biological breakdown of tough plastics