Reflections on bio-based PET and plastic waste management: a responsible research and innovation approach.
expert_opinion · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41792129.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-026-69970-4 and PMC identifier 12972147.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Plastics drive twin crises: persistent pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Bio-based approaches using enzymes and microorganisms to depolymerise plastics and valorise monomers show promise but raise societal, ethical and regulatory questions central to Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). In this Perspective, we reflect on RRI implications of bio-based plastic degradation, informed by stakeholder discussions across the plastics value chain and public engagement. We identify broad support alongside concerns about scalability, interaction with existing recycling, governance and containment of genetically modified organisms, management of additives and contaminants, and the roles of regulation and economic incentives in enabling adoption.
Medical subject headings
- Waste Management
- Plastics