Global bioplastic production has doubled since 2010, yet to fully realise its environmental benefit and contribute to a circular economy, improved systems for bioplastic degradation and recycling must evolve.
To this end, CSIRO researchers are developing enzyme-based technologies that break bioplastic waste into its basic chemical components. The team uses computational genomics, machine learning and high-throughput testing to screen thousands of enzyme variants at the BioFoundry.
The work offers two solutions: embedding enzymes during production to ensure biodegradability, or using enhanced enzymes for recycling. Its aim is to create enzymes that are highly active and stable, ensuring an efficient, cost-effective process for large-scale recycling.
1000x
faster enzyme screening vs traditional methods
2
biodegradation solutions developed
16
global biofoundries in alliance network
