News > Enzyme in laundry detergent can help recycle single-use plastics in 24 hrs: Study

Enzyme in laundry detergent can help recycle single-use plastics in 24 hrs: Study

Scientists have developed a novel method, described in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, that uses the enzymes to "depolymerise" — or break down — landfill-bound bioplastics into soluble fragments within just 24 hours. The process achieves full degradation of the bioplastic polylactic acid (PLA) in an approach that is 84 times faster than the 12-week-long industrial composting process used for recycling bioplastic materials, the researchers said.