Groundbreaking Bio-Catalyst Revolutionizes PET Plastic Recycling

PET plastic, found in everyday products like bottles, clothing, and car mats, is traditionally recycled through mechanical processes, often leading to a decline in material quality and eventual incineration or landfilling. Chemical catalysts have been an alternative, but they have limitations such as contamination and excess waste.

KUBU-M12 offers a game-changing solution. Unlike chemical catalysts, bio-catalysts decompose plastics through biological reactions, reducing raw material contamination and waste while maintaining the quality of the recycled material.

KUBU-M12 has shown exceptional efficiency, decomposing 1 kilogram of PET by 45% in 1 hour, over 90% in 8 hours, and nearly 100% in 12 hours, using only 0.58 grams of catalyst. This sets a new global benchmark for bio-catalyst plastic decomposition.

Prof. Kim Kyung-jin stated, "This technology enables the permanent recycling of contaminated plastics that are typically non-recyclable." He added, "We expect bio-catalyst innovations to drive advancements across various chemical industries."

This breakthrough is poised to revolutionize the recycling of hard-to-recycle plastics, supporting global efforts to combat plastic pollution, climate change, and achieve carbon neutrality. Its eco-friendly nature and efficiency make it a major milestone in biotechnology and materials science. The findings published in Science highlight its potential for widespread application and lasting environmental impact.

Reference

BUSINESSKOREA (03 January 2025)|Groundbreaking Bio-catalyst Developed for Efficient PET Plastic Decomposition