AI and enzymes for infinitely recyclable plastics

The enzymes break down used plastics so they can be transformed into new clothes and packaging

Spotted: Around 63 million tonnes of polyester, a widely used plastic in clothing and packaging, are produced annually, much of which ends up in landfills or incinerators once thrown away.

To reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and repurpose plastic waste, Protein Evolution has stepped in. The company claims it is the US’s first biological recycling company, and is using its innovative technology to enable the low-carbon production of petroleum-grade plastics from waste.

Called Biopure, the low-energy technology creates plastic precursors that can be endlessly recycled. The company sources plastic waste and prevents it from entering landfills or the environment, before preparing it for biological recycling using proprietary technology. AI-designed enzymes then convert this polyester waste into reusable raw materials, allowing manufacturers to produce 100 per cent recycled plastic for packaging and clothing items.

Current plastic recycling methods are expensive, ineffective, and resource-intensive, normally yielding weaker materials and emitting toxic carbon. Now, with Biopure technology, manufacturers who use polyester can easily swap petroleum-based raw materials with Biopure products.

The company is currently at pilot scale and is constructing its own industrial-size plant capable of processing 50,000 tonnes of synthetic textiles every year. Last year, Protein Evolution teamed up with fashion designer Stella McCartney to create a bio-recycled parka made from old textile scraps and packaging. The garment was showcased at COP28.

Written By: Georgia King