Plastic gobblers found in alpine and arctic soils

Under the microscope the decomposition work by the microbes is visible on this biodegradable plastic foil. (Photo: Joel Rüthi) Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL have discovered microbes that degrade plastic at cool temperatures. This opens up new perspectives for recycling certain types of plastic. Most known microbes require at least 30°C for their decomposition work. Microorganisms are great hope for the development of a circular economy for plastics. Some species produce enzymes, i.e. catalysts made of proteins, which accelerate the degradation of plastic into smaller, reusable components. However, the enzymes known so far require temperatures above 30°C for industrial application.