Japanese scientists have discovered a bacteria that can degrade PET. So far only fungi where know to decompose plastics.
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
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The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and the National Association of Plastics Industries in Mexico (ANIPAC) have signed a cooperation agreement to advance plastics recycling in Mexico and support the development of a circular economy.
Herbold Meckesheim is strengthening its offering of used machinery for the plastics recycling industry. The portfolio includes granulators, shredders, pulverizers, plastcompactors, and washing line components such as friction washers and dryers. Depending on configuration and availability, many machines can be delivered at short notice.
Study on heat-stable cutinase PET recycling reveals how a rigid enzyme core and flexible active site enable plastic degradation at elevated temperatures.
EU report shows several Member States already meet SUP collection targets for beverage bottles, with deposit systems contributing to high collection rates.
The first garbage bag specially designed for water or coffee vending machines which promotes recycling of disposable cups has been patented by a Spanish businessman, Gonzalo Bayona.
When end-of-life refrigeration appliances are treated, some of the waste appliances being sent for recycling contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), while others are CFC-free. In terms of minimizing environmental impact, joint collection and joint treatment of these appliances continues to be the environmentally preferred path.
Countries that implement stringent environmental policies do not lose export competitiveness when compared against countries with more moderate regulations, according to a new OECD study that examines trade in manufactured goods between advanced and emerging economies.
