On November 24, 2024, scientists from the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute and Carbios announced a significant advancement in biodegradable plastics. They have developed a solution enabling polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based bioplastic commonly used in single-use items, to decompose in home composters.
PLA typically requires temperatures above 60°C to degrade, but researchers have integrated a newly developed enzyme into the material, allowing it to break down in various environments, including air, water, and soil, regardless of temperature. This innovation enables PLA to disintegrate in less than six months in a home composting setting, as published in the renowned journal Nature.
Despite claims of biodegradability, traditional PLA has not been effectively compostable. The research team focused on creating robust enzymes that can withstand the high temperatures used in the production of PLA. Isabelle André, a lead researcher at TBI, stated, “Our team specializes in developing catalysts that utilize biology to degrade plastics or produce new molecules through complementary chemical pathways.”
Currently, PLA accounts for only 0.1% of global plastic production, but it is gaining interest from manufacturers seeking to meet recycling and biodegradability standards. Alain Marty, Carbios' scientific director, noted that companies are under pressure from consumers and governments to find viable solutions, moving beyond mere greenwashing.
Carbios is also collaborating with the French group Sleever, which operates a facility near Toulouse. Sleever produces plastic sleeves used for packaging and labeling, and soon these will be made from enzymatic PLA, designed to decompose in home compost.