Summary

Bio-upcycling of plastic waste is a rapidly developing scientific field with prominent applications in the circular bioeconomy. Especially the development of PETases that hydrolyse polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has rapidly progressed, to the point where these enzymes are now being commercially developed for recycling purposes. However, research is strongly focused on the in vitro application of these enzymes at elevated temperatures and there is a knowledge gap with tremendous untapped potential regarding the underlying microbiology. SSWEEP aims to address this gap with innovative multidisciplinary approaches, aiming at increasing the enzymatic and microbial degradation of PET, and the recycling of PET/PE laminate foils. If successful, the SSWEEP approach offers a plethora of exciting chances for innovation in a circular PET economy that can help to solve the global challenge of plastics pollution, while also providing economic opportunities for hybrid-resource biorefineries by in-cycling cheap carbon feedstock from the excellent German PET collection logistics.