Francesco Mutti and Andrea Gargano, researchers at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (UvA), have developed an enzymatic method to selectively degrade synthetic copolyesters, together with industrial partners Covestro and InnoSyn, with financial support from ChemistryNL.
By using enzymes for the depolymerization of plastics, polymers can be recycled more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly way. This contributes to a circular economy by reducing the dependence on fossil resources and limiting the amount of plastic waste. In addition, this method allows for the analysis of polymers at the molecular level, leading to better insight into their composition and properties. This is crucial for the design of new, more sustainable materials
The researchers aim to extend this technology to other, more complex polymers such as polyamides and polyolefins. This could pave the way for broader industrial applications and have a significant impact on environmental conservation and resource efficiency.
