New Enzyme Degrades Plastic Waste Efficiently

A team of researchers has engineered a novel enzyme that efficiently degrades common plastic waste at room temperature. The enzyme, detailed in a study published online on June 24, 2026, in Nature, targets polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a widely used plastic found in bottles and packaging. This breakthrough offers a potential solution to the growing global plastic pollution crisis.

The engineered enzyme, a modified version of a naturally occurring PETase, demonstrates significantly enhanced activity and stability compared to its predecessors. Previous iterations often required elevated temperatures to function effectively, limiting their practical application. The new enzyme, however, operates optimally between 20-30 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for large-scale industrial processes without the need for substantial energy input.

According to the study's lead author, Dr. Anya Sharma, the enzyme can break down PET into its constituent monomers, terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, within hours. These monomers can then be purified and repolymerized to create new, high-quality plastic, establishing a truly circular economy for PET. This contrasts with current recycling methods, which often result in downcycled materials with reduced properties.

The research team from the University of Cambridge utilized advanced protein engineering techniques, including directed evolution and computational modeling, to optimize the enzyme's structure and catalytic efficiency. They reported a degradation rate of over 90% for PET samples within 24 hours under laboratory conditions. The next phase of research will focus on scaling up enzyme production and testing its efficacy on mixed plastic waste streams.