Developing PET Decomposition Biocatalyst...Demonstrate world-leading performance

Korean researchers have developed a bio-catalyst that effectively breaks down PET plastic used in PET bottles and takeout cups.

Joint researchers, including Kyungpook National University Professor Kim Kyung-jin and CJ CheilJedang, developed a new algorithm to predict the activity of similar bio-catalysts in nature and found a bio-catalyst "Kubu" that breaks down PET plastic.

In addition, the catalyst found was improved to Kubu M12, which decomposed 1kg of PET plastic by 45% in an hour and more than 90% in 8 o'clock with only 0.58 grams, proving the world's best performance.

Previously, PET plastic was melted with heat or decomposed with solvent as a chemical catalyst, but there were environmental problems caused by contamination of raw materials.

The researchers explained that the bio-catalyst developed selectively responds to PET, resulting in little environmental pollution problems, and excellent material quality when recycled.

The findings were published in the international journal Science.