Researchers in South Korea have made a groundbreaking advancement in the field of plastic recycling by developing a new bio-catalytic technology that could revolutionize the way polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics are broken down and recycled.
PET, a widely used plastic for products such as bottles, beverage packaging, clothing, seatbelts, takeout containers, and car mats, has been a challenge to recycle due to its durability and resistance to degradation. Efforts have been underway in the scientific community to find efficient methods to decompose and recycle PET plastics.
According to reports from South Korean media including ChosunBiz, on January 3rd, researchers led by Professor Kyung-Jin Kim from Kyungpook National University collaborated with CJ CheilJedang to develop the world’s most efficient bio-catalyst, known as PETase, for breaking down PET plastics. This bio-catalyst is a major achievement in the plastic recycling industry and has the potential to significantly impact the way plastics are recycled globally.
The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT announced this achievement, highlighting the transformative potential of this research in improving plastic recycling methods.
Traditionally, plastics have been recycled through mechanical processes involving separation, label removal, shredding, washing, and refining. However, the quality of recycled materials often diminishes, leading to eventual incineration or landfill disposal. While chemical recycling methods exist, they come with limitations such as material contamination and environmental impact, making them less than ideal solutions.
To address these challenges, Professor Kim’s research team focused on bio-recycling, where bio-catalysts facilitate decomposition reactions similar to natural biodegradation processes. They developed a high-performance bio-catalyst enzyme, named Kubu-P, specifically targeting PET plastics used in products like bottles, clothing, takeout containers, and car mats. This bio-catalyst selectively reacts with PET, producing clean reaction products during the breakdown process with minimal environmental impact and maintaining high-quality recycled materials.
Through protein engineering, researchers further enhanced the enzyme to create Kubu-PM12, a catalyst that can break down 45% of 1 kilogram of PET plastic using only 0.58 grams of enzyme within an hour, over 90% within 8 hours, and nearly complete breakdown within 12 hours. This remarkable efficiency sets a new global standard in plastic recycling technology.
This innovative bio-catalyst offers a cleaner, more efficient alternative for recycling even previously contaminated plastics that were challenging to recycle before.
Professor Kim emphasized the significance of this discovery, labeling bio-recycling as a “game-changing technology” that paves the way for achieving permanent recycling of plastics.
“This research demonstrates the immense potential of nature, paving the way for innovation in various chemical industries,” Professor Kim remarked.