TACKLING THE WORLD’S PLASTIC PROBLEM

CHANGING THE WORLD ONE MICROBE AT A TIME

The sugars we feed our microbes aren’t usually the main characters in our stories. But what if instead of eating sucrose or glucose, we could develop a microbe that ate polyethylene (PE) plastic in large scale? Even better, what if these microbes could turn plastic waste into building blocks for brand new materials? 

It’s a global-sized problem we’re solving today in partnership with Sumitomo Chemical. We have already started developing and testing enzymes and microbes that are degrading PE and transforming it into building blocks for new materials. Our vision of a plastic waste-free future is clearer than ever.

“This is why we do science.”

 – Jordan Russ, Research Associate

WHY THIS MATTERS

TURNING THE TIDE ON PLASTIC

Effectively and sustainably breaking down one of the world’s toughest plastics is the first step toward a world free from plastic waste.

A PARTNERSHIP WITH NATURE

We believe that nature holds the keys to sustainably eliminating PE waste. However hidden or small, we are using our platform and people to unlock these doors and pioneer bio-based solutions.

FROM GARBAGE TO GOLD

Our aim is to upcycle polyethylene into new plastics, materials and products with greater utility and sustainability.