Empowering a Cleaner Future

About

Plastizyme was founded by a scientist based at UNC Chapel Hill, driven by a passion to push the boundaries of science in tackling plastic pollution. Today, we’re leveraging powerful PETase enzymes not just to degrade plastic—but to convert it into valuable monomers that can be re-used by plastic manufacturers.

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

The Plastizyme System uses cutting-edge PETase enzymes to break down PET plastic into its building blocks—terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). These reclaimed monomers can then be purified and sold back to manufacturers, enabling a closed-loop plastic economy.

Only 9% of plastic is ever recycled. Traditional methods require high energy input and expensive infrastructure. Our enzyme-driven process offers a low-impact, scalable alternative that deconstructs plastic at the molecular level—opening the door to truly circular reuse.

1️⃣ Early prototypes for enzyme-based PET depolymerization.

2️⃣ Pilot-scale systems to purify and sell reclaimed monomers.

3️⃣ A licensing model to help others build PETase recycling systems.

This is the first in a series of Kickstarter campaigns designed to jumpstart the future of plastic recycling. Your support helps fund initial enzyme testing and monomer recovery—and brings us one step closer to scaling this breakthrough solution.

Kickstarter

Join us in pioneering a new solution for enzyme-powered plastic degradation by backing the development of our first working prototype system. This initial round of funding—just $3,000—will help us prove that the technology functions as intended at small scale.

✔ Help demonstrate that plastic-degrading enzyme technology can work outside the lab.

✔ Be part of a movement creating next-generation solutions to plastic waste.

✔ Engage directly with the founder and support the early stages of a science-backed climate innovation.

💰 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!