Biologist Federica Bertocchini, while cleaning her beehives, stumbled upon a startling discovery — wax worms could chew through plastic bags in less than an hour. This accidental observation sparked a groundbreaking scientific journey that now holds promise for a greener future.
Bertocchini, co-founder of Plastic Entropy, a startup based in Reims, France, identified enzymes in the worms’ saliva that can break down polyethylene, one of the most widespread and stubborn plastics polluting our planet.
Rather than using the worms themselves, Bertocchini’s research focuses on isolating and synthesizing the enzymes in laboratories. These enzymes work at the molecular level, potentially transforming plastic into harmless compounds, dw.com reports.
Unlike traditional recycling, which is often inefficient and energy-intensive, enzyme-based degradation could offer a cleaner, scalable alternative — reducing dependency on incineration and its harmful emissions.
With only 9% of global plastic waste currently recycled, most ends up in landfills or the oceans. Bertocchini’s work has sparked hope across the scientific and environmental communities.
Although full industrial application may take time, the innovation could reshape how the world manages plastic waste.
Her discovery is a powerful reminder of how curiosity and nature can fuel science — offering novel solutions to human-made problems.
