A consortium of UK universities has received GBP 11.2 million (€13.1 million) in funding to research plastics enzymatic recycling.
The University of Portsmouth’s Centre for Enzyme Innovation (CEI) will lead the Preventing Plastic Pollution with Engineering Biology (P3EB) Mission Hub, which also includes Bangor University, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, University of Manchester, and University College London. The UK government will fund the project over the next five years.
Research are the CEI focusses on four areas: discovering new enzymes; engineering these enzymes to enhance their activity, stability, and yield; deploying enzymes by pilot scale fermentation and industry-ready formulations; and applying these enzymes in proof-of-concept biorecycling and upcycling processes.
The scientists have published results on enzymatic recycling of PET, with a focus on low-energy, low carbon solutions. More recently, the team has expanded its research to address more types of plastic, including mixed waste streams and composites. Crucially, the mission hub will also work on applying the technology at scale in real-world applications.
“Our approach is enabled by our wide-ranging expertise and our influential project partners, and steered by engagement with the public and with policymakers,” said Professor Andy Pickford, Director of the CEI and lead principal investigator of the P3EB Mission Hub. “Our mission is aligned with the needs of industry, so as to bring about comprehensive and enduring change, and support the transition towards a circular plastics economy in the UK, creating job opportunities and wealth for the country,” he concluded.