Advertising

Bacteria eat PET

Japanese scientists have discovered a bacteria that can degrade PET. So far only fungi where know to decompose plastics.
Peter von Bechen, pixelio.de
Anzeige

With the use of two enzymes, “Ideonella sakaiensis” is expected to degrade PET into ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid – both substances are harmless for the environment. Eventually, terephthalic acid could be use to produce new plastics, according to the scientists.

So far, the process is quite slow. It took almost 60 weeks until the bacterias had degraded the PET completely.

Source: Science

Latest news

RECYCLING magazine provides independent, deeply investigated information about all aspects of secondary raw materials. The magazine has a long track record, it has a history of more than 70 years. more

RECYCLING magazine is a member of

Read about what matters in your industry
Newsletter
Stay informed and subscribe to our monthly RECYCLING magazine newsletter.
Register now

I consent to DETAIL Architecture GmbH regularly sending me individualised exciting news and events by email. The processing of my personal data is to be done in line with statutory provisions. I can rescind my consent in respect of DETAIL Architecture GmbH at any time.
close-link