Jerome

  In the article “Plastic-eating Enzyme Could Eliminate Billions of Tons of Landfill Waste” (UT News, 2022), Scientists from the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a plastic-eating enzyme that could potentially eliminate tons of plastic waste and a step forward in conserving our environment. The enzyme, Ideonella Sakaiensis, has the ability to break down one of the most commonly used plastics, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), within 24 hours. It was first discovered in a recycling centre located in Japan, which was modified to become more efficient in breaking down plastic. As more time is put into further development, researchers are optimistic that the enzyme can be used on a wider scale during the industrial recycling process. Although PET is used everywhere around us, it is not biodegradable and takes beyond a human’s lifespan to break down. This leads to an abundance of environmental issues and plastic waste accumulated on the planet. There are still plans to continue