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Emerging Technologies in Plastic Degradation
The specter of plastic waste is large, casting a shadow upon our natural world. Each year, an
unfathomable 400 million tons of plastic waste is produced, yet only a fraction – a mere 30
million tons – finds refuge in recycling or proper disposal. The rest, a relentless tide, journeys
into the depths of oceans and lands. This burden weighs heavily upon our collective conscience
and work towards a future where plastic waste is but a fleeting memory.
Synthetic Approaches
1. Engineered Enzymes: Scientists design special enzymes that can break down plastics more
efficiently than natural enzymes such as PETase which is an enzyme that breaks down PET
plastics (like water bottles).
2. Chemical Recycling : This process involves converting plastics back into their original
building blocks or other useful materials through chemical reactions. Through Pyrolysis that is
using high heat to turn plastic into fuel without oxygen. Or Solvolysis which involves using
solvents to break down plastics into their original composition (these simpler materials can be
more easily decomposed by the earth and microorganisms.)
3. Photocatalysis: Scientists use light to speed up the breakdown of plastics. An example is

Photocatalysts in which Materials like titanium dioxide that, when exposed to sunlight, help
break down plastics.
Natural Approaches
1. Microbial Degradation: Certain bacteria and fungi can break down plastics. Bacteria such as
Species like Pseudomonas can degrade various plastics or Fungi Species like Aspergillus and
Penicillium can break down plastic components.
2. Natural Enzymes: Using enzymes that naturally occur in organisms to degrade plastics such as
cutinases which are enzymes from plants and microbes that can break down polyesters.
3. Biodegradable Plastics: Developing plastics that can naturally break down in the environment.
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): Made from corn starch, it degrades ‘plastic’ into lactic acid.
- PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates): Produced by bacteria, fully biodegradable.
Combined Approaches
Genetically Engineered Microorganisms: Biotechnological techniques are employed to introduce

a more robust protein into bacteria, resulting in the creation of genetically engineered
microorganisms, or GEMs. The goal of this genetic engineering is to improve specific
characteristics. GEMs show great promise for bioremediation applications including soil,
groundwater, and activated sludge because of their enhanced capacity to break down a wide
range of chemical pollutants.
Research in Plastic Waste Management and Decomposition Technologies
1. The New Plastics Economy Initiative (World Economic Forum) seeks to transform the
plastic industry.
2. Plastic Waste Management and Plastic Pollution Prevention: UNEP supports research on
the environmental impact of plastic pollution and seeks innovative solutions for plastic
waste management.
3. Global Plastics Platform: UNEP provides a platform for sharing knowledge, best
practices, and research findings related to plastic pollution prevention and management.
4. Horizon 2020: The European Union's research and innovation program funds projects
focused on plastic decomposition technologies, including biodegradable plastics,
enzymatic degradation, and chemical recycling methods.
5. European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy: The EU promotes research and
innovation to develop new plastic decomposition technologies as part of its strategy to
create a circular economy for plastics.
However, there's a noticeable disparity between the theoretical knowledge and its practical
implementation, due to
- Technological Complexity: Many inventive ideas developed in research facilities may be

highly sophisticated technologically, requiring significant infrastructure and equipment
investments before they can be put into practice.
- Regulatory Barriers: Current regulations and standards may not always support the
adoption of new plastic degradation technologies.
- Cost considerations: Research and development, infrastructure upgrades, and operational
expenditures are just a few of the large sums of money that come with implementing new
technology.
- Market Acceptance and Demand: Consumer opinions, awareness, and willingness to pay
higher prices for sustainable alternatives can all influence the market's demand for goods
created from recycled or biodegradable plastics.
Recognizing these challenges is crucial when crafting resolutions. Delegates must address these
issues comprehensively and propose targeted solutions aimed at overcoming specific barriers
hindering scientific development assisting sustainable development.
Although scientists and researchers have proposed innovative strategies, there is a noticeable gap
in efforts to promote these ideas among various governments and global environmental
platforms. It is imperative to advocate for resolutions that foster international collaboration in
governmental research and the implementation of laws to facilitate the adoption of these
innovative strategies for plastic degradation or the use of plastic alternatives. Additionally,
countries that successfully implement these strategies should be recognized for their efforts.
Case Study 1: Plastic Roads initiative in the Netherlands
The Plastic Road initiative in the Netherlands pioneers the construction of roads using recycled
plastic materials. Developed by a collaboration between industry giants KWS, Wavin, and Total,
this project utilizes hollow prefabricated elements composed entirely of recycled plastic. These
elements not only facilitate efficient water drainage but also enable easy installation of cables
and pipes beneath the road surface. This innovative approach aims to address both the
environmental challenges posed by plastic waste and the need for sustainable infrastructure
solutions.
In the pilot project located in Zwolle, a 30-meter-long cycle path serves as a testament to the
viability of the Plastic Road concept. Constructed entirely from recycled plastic, this cycle path
showcases the potential for a durable, lightweight, and environmentally friendly alternative to
traditional asphalt or paved roads. The use of recycled plastic not only reduces dependence on
non-renewable resources but also contributes to mitigating plastic pollution, aligning with global
efforts towards a more sustainable future.
Case Study: Carbios - The World’s First PET Bio Recycling Plant
Carbios, a leading French biotech firm, has pioneered the use of enzymes to degrade PET
plastics. Partnering with the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute (TBI) and the National Institute of
Applied Sciences of Toulouse (INSA), Carbios has developed specialized enzymes optimized for
industrial-scale PET degradation, ensuring both efficiency and thermal stability.
In late 2021, Carbios launched a demonstration plant in central France to test their enzyme-based
recycling process. This innovative approach breaks down PET plastic waste into its monomers
for polymerization. Carbios plans to build a larger industrial plant by 2025, leveraging insights
from the demonstration facility to further scale up the process, potentially near plastic
manufacturers in Europe or the US.
Efficient Recycling: Compared to conventional recycling techniques, Carbios' technology can

break down PET plastics in 10 to 16 hours, making the process more faster.
High-quality Output: The method produces PET from the petrochemical sector that is on par
with virgin PET quality, allowing for the manufacture of PET products that are 100 percent
recyclable and recycled.
Environmental Benefits: When compared to the production of virgin PET, enzymatic recycling
can cut greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 30%. As technology advances, these reductions
may be furthered.
Versatile Recycling: The system overcomes the drawbacks of traditional recycling techniques by
handling all PET waste kinds, including clear, opaque, complicated, and textile-origin polymers.
Carbios' enzymatic recycling initiative is a novel strategy for managing plastic waste. Carbios is
converting plastic and textile waste into useful raw materials by combining state-of-the-art
enzymology with industrial processes. Ultimating promoting a sustainable circular economy.

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Emerging Technologies in Plastic Degradation

3. Photocatalysis: Scientists use light to speed up the breakdown of plastics. An example is

Genetically Engineered Microorganisms: Biotechnological techniques are employed to introduce

Research in Plastic Waste Management and Decomposition Technologies

- Technological Complexity: Many inventive ideas developed in research facilities may be

Case Study 1: Plastic Roads initiative in the Netherlands

Efficient Recycling: Compared to conventional recycling techniques, Carbios' technology can

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