PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Market demand

The world is facing an escalating plastic waste crisis. As global plastic production increases annually, improper disposal and mismanagement lead to extensive pollution in oceans, landfills, and natural habitats. Plastic takes centuries to decompose and only a moment to throw away. The waste that will outlive their users leads to severe and long-lasting ecological consequences. As the plastic waste problem continues to grow, there is an urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle this pressing issue.

Introducing PET-2-Protein, a groundbreaking concept that aims to address both the plastic waste crisis and the increasing demand for sustainable protein sources. This innovative approach involves recycling plastic waste and converting it into valuable protein biomass. By transforming plastic waste, which is often challenging to recycle, into a valuable resource like protein, PET-2-Protein aligns perfectly with the principles of a circular economy. This circular model reduces the reliance on new resources and minimizes waste generation, creating a closed-loop system that benefits both the environment and society.

A primary advantage of PET-2-Protein is its substantial potential for positive environmental impact. By diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans, the process directly contributes to reducing pollution and conserving natural ecosystems. Moreover, the protein biomass produced through PET-2-Protein offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional protein sources. As the global population grows and the demand for protein increases, finding innovative and environmentally conscious methods of protein production becomes crucial. One day our solution could be integrated into plastic recycling centers and offer an additional innovative way of recycling our plastic while simultaneously producing protein-rich biomass which could be sold to third-party companies who wish to sell sustainably produced food or feed. PET-2-Protein presents a promising solution to this pressing social and dietary challenge.

Market Potential and Opportunities

The ever-growing market potential for PET-2-Protein is driven by rising consumer demand for sustainable, eco-friendly products. With rising environmental consciousness, individuals and businesses alike are seeking solutions that address the plastic waste crisis and support a circular economy. Companies involved in PET-2-Protein and related technologies stand to benefit from this market shift. The protein biomass produced can find applications in various sectors, including animal feed for livestock and aquaculture, as well as in the development of plant-based food products for human consumption. Additionally, governments and municipalities looking to improve waste management practices may find PET-2-Protein an attractive investment opportunity due to its potential for scalability and eco-friendliness.

Action of our project

The PET-2-Protein project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the plastic waste crisis and promoting sustainable food production through the use of synthetic biology. The project's primary objective is to develop a proof-of-concept approach for converting PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic into valuable proteins.

The implementation of the project involves three main phases. The first phase focuses on producing recombinant enzymes, PETase and MHETase, that can effectively break down PET into its monomers, terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). To enhance the efficiency of depolymerization, an engineered strain is utilized to accelerate the process.

In the second phase, the pretreated PET plastic is subjected to enzymatic depolymerization in a liquid media containing the PET-degrading enzymes. This step effectively breaks down the plastic into its constituent monomers, TPA and EG.

In the third phase, we bioconvert the generated monomers into single-cell proteins using strains such as Rhodococcus opacus and Pseudomonas putida. The resulting protein-rich biomass undergoes rigorous analysis using LC (liquid chromatography) and mass spectrometry to ensure the absence of any plastic remnants or toxins while achieving a high protein concentration.

The inspiration for the project emerged from a combination of concerns related to plastic pollution and sustainable food production. The team sought guidance and expertise from various professionals and researchers to shape the direction of the project and explore its potential applications.

The project envisions the application of the produced protein-rich biomass as food or feed. A promising feed option is to use it as an artificial medium for biological pesticides in agriculture, contributing to sustainable food production. In the future after rigorous testing we envision our product being safe to use as food. This novel approach aims to simultaneously combat plastic waste pollution and enhance food security.

Through the PET-2-Protein project, the team aims to harness the power of synthetic biology to make a meaningful impact on the environment and create a more sustainable future. By converting PET plastic into valuable proteins, the project seeks to leave a positive legacy for future generations, contributing to a cleaner and healthier planet.

Application of our project

The concept of PET-2-Protein, recycling plastic by converting it into protein biomass, could address several pressing needs and opportunities in today's world.

1. Environmental Sustainability: The world is facing a significant plastic waste crisis. Plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, and improper disposal leads to pollution of oceans, landfills, and natural habitats. By recycling and converting plastic waste into protein biomass, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
2. Circular Economy: The PET-2-Protein process aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where waste materials are repurposed and reintroduced into the production cycle. By transforming plastic waste into valuable protein biomass, it creates a closed-loop system that reduces the need for new resources and minimizes waste generation.
3. Protein Production: The global demand for protein is continuously increasing due to population growth and changing dietary preferences. Protein is a vital component of our diets, and finding alternative, sustainable sources is essential. By converting plastic waste into protein biomass, we can contribute to meeting the protein needs of the growing global population.
4. Market Potential: The market potential for PET-2-Protein could be substantial. Companies and consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, driving the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. The protein biomass produced through this process could be used as animal feed, in aquaculture, or even in plant-based food products for human consumption. This opens up opportunities for new businesses and investments in the recycling and protein industries.
5. Waste Management Solution: Municipalities and governments worldwide are grappling with the challenge of managing plastic waste effectively. PET-2-Protein offers a potentially scalable and economically viable solution to convert plastic waste into valuable resources, reducing the burden on waste management systems.
6. Technological Advancements: Advancements in recycling technologies and biotechnology are making processes like PET-2-Protein more feasible and efficient. These technologies can further drive the growth and adoption of such sustainable solutions.

Challenges

While PET-2-Protein offers promising solutions to significant global challenges, there are potential hurdles to overcome. Ensuring the energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of the process will be crucial for its widespread adoption and success. Additionally, regulatory support and public acceptance will play pivotal roles in the implementation of this innovative technology. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders (including governments), businesses, investors, and communities will be vital in realizing the full potential of PET-2-Protein and its positive impact on the environment and society.

Future steps

The future steps for the PET-2-Protein project involve advancing the proof-of-concept approach toward practical implementation and broader impact. Here are some potential future steps for the project:

1. Education and Public Awareness: Engaging in educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns about plastic waste and sustainable solutions can foster a more environmentally conscious society and garner support for the PET-2-Protein project.
2. Diversification of End Applications: Exploring diverse applications for protein-rich biomass beyond biological pesticides, such as animal feed, pet food, or plant-based food ingredients can open up additional markets and revenue streams.
3. Continuous Research and Innovation: Continuously improving the PET-2-Protein process through ongoing research and innovation will be essential for staying competitive and adapting to changing market needs. Collaborating with researchers, universities, and industry experts can contribute to continuous advancements in the field.

By undertaking these future steps, the PET-2-Protein project has the potential to significantly contribute to reducing plastic waste pollution, promoting sustainable food production, and fostering a more circular and eco-friendly economy.