Why enzymes are the latest fashion in the fight against plastic waste in our clothes

Despite what Barbie says, life in plastic isn’t always fantastic.

This week’s Life Solved looks at the plastics in our clothes, and how proteins which speed up chemical reactions are the latest trend in the fight against synthetic waste.

John Worsey is joined by Dr Victoria Bemmer, Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Enzyme Innovation at the University of Portsmouth, and Noorin Khamisani, Senior Lecturer in Fashion & Textiles and sustainable designer.

Together they explore the benefits – and the downsides - of using synthetic materials in our clothes. You’ll also hear about exciting research taking place at the University that could be a game-changer in the way the world recycles plastics.

USEFUL LINKS

Centre for Enzyme Innovation at the University of Portsmouth: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-centres-and-groups/centre-for-enzyme-innovation

Revolution Plastics: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/events/the-revolution-continues

‘Plastic-eating’ enzymes to be deployed to combat waste polyester clothing: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/plastic-eating-enzymes-to-be-deployed-to-combat-waste-polyester-clothing

Plastics Future 2023 Conference: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/events/plasticsfuture-2023

Dr Victoria Bemmer: https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/persons/victoria-bemmer

Outsider: https://www.outsiderfashion.com/pages/designer-biography
Plastic Loop - Veolia (Veolia Huafei developed a high-end recycling process to produce fibre filaments from bottles): https://www.plastiloop.veolia.com/our-media/success-stories/new-paradigm-recycling-empty-bottle-becomes-new-dress#:~:text=Partnering%20with%20Danone%20and%20Decathlon,wear%20t%2Dshirts%20and%20backpacks.