Bacteria-derived enzyme shows potential for polyethylene biodegradation

Every year, 400 million tons of plastic products are produced worldwide, half of which are single-use items discarded within a year. In particular, non-biodegradable plastic waste, which takes over 500 years to decompose naturally, is mostly treated through landfills. During this process, microplastics are formed, disrupting ecosystems or accumulating in organisms, increasing their harmful effects. With landfill sites worldwide reaching capacity, addressing this issue has become increasingly urgent.