Scientists have developed an enzyme that can start to break down plastic in a matter of days rather than the centuries it can take naturally.
The scientists were examining molecules produced by a bacteria that, in 2016, was found to be eating plastic, when they discovered that they had actually altered the molecule involved and made it up to 20% faster at breaking down PET plastic.
The ability to break down PET plastic, the main plastic in soft drink and water bottles, is hoped will mean the plastic can be fully recycled, creating huge reductions in pollution and oil usage.