The present invention relates to novel esterase, more particularly to esterase variants having improved thermostability compared to the esterase of SEQ ID No 1 and the uses thereof for degrading polyester containing material, such as plastic products. The esterases of the invention are particularly suited to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, and material containing polyethylene terephthalate.

The present invention relates to novel esterase, more particularly to esterase variants having improved activity compared to the esterase of SEQ ID No 1 and the uses thereof for degrading polyester containing material, such as plastic products. The esterases of the invention are particularly suited to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, and material containing polyethylene terephthalate.

The present invention relates to novel esterases, more particularly to esterase variants having improved activity and/or improved thermostability compared to the esterase of SEQ ID NO: 1 and the uses thereof for degrading polyester containing material, such as plastic products. The esterases of the invention are particularly suited to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, and material containing polyethylene terephthalate.

The present invention relates to novel esterases, more particularly to esterase variants having improved activity and/or improved thermostability compared to the esterase of SEQ ID NO: 1 and the uses thereof for degrading polyester containing material, such as plastic products. The esterases of the invention are particularly suited to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, and material containing polyethylene terephthalate.

The present invention relates to novel esterases, more particularly to esterase variants having improved activity and/or improved thermostability compared to the esterase of SEQ ID NO:1 and the uses thereof for degrading polyester containing material, such as plastic products. The esterases of the invention are particularly suited to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, and material containing polyethylene terephthalate.

The present invention relates to novel esterases, more particularly to esterase variants having improved activity and/or improved themostability compared to the esterase of SEQ ID NO:1 and the uses thereof for degrading polyester containing material, such as plastic products. The esterases of the invention are particularly suited to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, and material containing polyethylene terephthalate.

Described herein are methods for rendering biodegradable a plastic material that is not itself biodegradable, by blending the plastic material with a carbohydrate-based polymeric material that is formed from a) one or more starches and a plasticizer (e.g., glycerin), b) an additive known in the art as an OXO material and/or an additive that interacts with microbes that contribute to biodegradation of the non-biodegradable material. The carbohydrate-based polymeric material is less crystalline than the non-biodegradable materials, e.g., being substantially amorphous, and having a crystallinity of no more than 20%. When tested under conditions causing biodegradation, the blend biodegrades to an extent greater than the content of the carbohydrate-based polymer.

Plastic human waste is a growing threat to today's environment. A simple and viable method of reducing the mass of waste in landfills is using microbial organisms to decompose plastics that would otherwise add to the accumulation of garbage. Presented here is the discovery of a new microorganism having the ability to degrade polyurethane plastics. Methods for composting polyurethane using this microorganism may help reduce amounts of human trash.

The present invention relates to novel esterases, more particularly to esterase variants having improved activity and/or improved thermostability compared to the esterase of SEQ ID NO:1 and the uses thereof for degrading polyester containing material, such as plastic products. The esterases of the invention are particularly suited to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, and material containing polyethylene terephthalate.

A mechanochemical process for preparation of valuable products free from persistent organic contaminants and other organic halogen compounds, from waste of non-mixed and mixed, plastics and plastic laminates which is contaminated with persistent organic contaminants and/or contain the organic halogen compounds. Shredded waste is filled into a mill containing milling balls and is further shredded by milling. At least one dehalogenating agent is added. The mixture is milled further, and milling is stopped after a set time period. Before or after this step a further additive is added. The resulting products are separated from the milling balls, and the resulting halogen containing water-soluble products are jettisoned by washing with aqueous solvents and/or the resulting halogen containing, water-insoluble products are not washed out, but remain in the valuable products as fillers. Valuable products prepared in accordance with the process, and methods for their use are also provided