Project Description

We are surrounded by plastic everyday, specifically PET (Polyethylene terephthalate). Considered as the most common type of polyester, PET is a plastic resin often used for packaging consumer products. We can also find it in our water bottles, plastic toys, and even in the fiber of our clothing. PET is a combination of two monomers known as ethylene glycol and purified terephthalic acid that, when combined, form the polymer PET. The problem with PET is that although it is a convenient material for humans to use, it does not easily biodegrade. As PET accumulates in the ecosystems around the world, it poses detrimental effects on habitats worldwide. That is why it is crucial that we find an efficient way to degrade PET.