Engineering the Future of Plastic Recycling

About

Plastizyme was founded by a scientist based at UNC Chapel Hill, focused on developing next-generation enzyme systems to tackle plastic pollution. We are engineering PETase-based solutions to not only degrade plastic—but to convert it into high-value monomers that can be reintroduced into manufacturing supply chains.

Plastic waste takes centuries to break down, overwhelming landfills and oceans. Conventional recycling is inefficient and often results in downcycled materials or waste, leaving the world searching for a scalable, sustainable alternative.

Enzyme-driven PET degradation unlocks a new pathway: turning PET waste into purified monomers that can be sold back into the manufacturing pipeline. This circular model is science-backed, scalable, and economically viable.

PETase

PETase is a naturally occurring enzyme that breaks down PET plastic into its base monomers—terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). These high-purity building blocks can be reclaimed and reused in manufacturing, enabling a truly circular plastic economy.

Watch PETase at work: The video below demonstrates PETase (originally discovered in nature) breaking down clamshell PET packaging within 24 hours, turning it into valuable monomers ready for reuse.

Note: This video is for educational purposes only. Plastizyme is not affiliated with any entity shown in the video.

Product

Plastizyme is developing advanced PETase enzyme systems designed to efficiently break down PET plastic into its core building blocks—terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). These monomers can be purified and reintegrated into industrial production, enabling true circularity.

Only 9% of plastic is ever recycled. Existing solutions rely on energy-intensive mechanical and chemical processes. Enzyme-based depolymerization offers a low-energy, precision-driven alternative capable of selectively breaking down plastics at the molecular level.

1️⃣ Engineered enzyme variants optimized for real-world PET waste streams.

2️⃣ Bench-to-pilot scale systems for enzymatic depolymerization and monomer recovery.

3️⃣ A technology platform for licensing and integration into existing recycling infrastructure.

This is the first in a series of Kickstarter campaigns designed to support early-stage development of our enzyme technology platform. Your support enables enzyme optimization, validation, and initial system design.

Kickstarter

Join us in advancing plastic-degrading enzyme technology by supporting the development and testing of our first enzyme systems and prototype processes. This initial round of funding—just $3,000—will help validate core technical assumptions at small scale.

✔ Help accelerate the development of next-generation enzyme recycling technology.

✔ Support a scalable, science-driven approach to plastic circularity.

✔ Engage directly with early-stage R&D and follow progress as the technology evolves.

💰 Backer tiers start at $40 — supporters will receive exclusive updates and be recognized on our website.

🚀 Limited early supporter spots — help launch this mission today!