A team of researchers of the company Carbios has created an enzyme secreted by the bacteria mutated and is able to destroy plastic bottles in just 10 hours. The unique technology was created in collaboration with Pepsi and LOreal.
The enzyme decomposes plastic waste on the individual chemical components, which can then be used in the manufacture of new bottles. In contrast to this technology, thermomechanical processing gives the plastic a high enough quality, which is used mainly in the manufacture of clothing and carpets.
It should be noted that the enzyme-destroyer has created yet nature. It was first discovered in 2012 in a pile of composted leaves. He was not only the most effective among the other “candidates”, but also very cost effective in production – about 25 times cheaper than making new plastic from oil.
According to the representative of the scientific Committee of the company Carbios Alain Marty, the researchers hope to test the “industrial and commercial potential of the” new ferment in France in 2021.
Source — Nature