In a world where plastic pollution has become a pressing global concern, researchers at the University of Sydney have embarked on a journey that could forever alter the fate of one of the most stubborn plastic pollutants – polypropylene. This versatile yet notoriously hard-to-recycle plastic, found in a wide array of everyday items from food containers to fashion pieces, has long posed a challenge to recycling efforts.

Despite accounting for approximately 28 percent of the world’s plastic waste, a mere 1 percent of polypropylene is successfully recycled, leaving a staggering environmental footprint.

Fungi’s Unexpected Superpower

However, a glimmer of hope has emerged from the labs of the University of Sydney, where researchers have harnessed the unique abilities of fungi to tackle this plastic predicament. Aspergillus terreus and Engyodontium album, two common fungi found in soil and plants, have been revealed as plastic degraders. Through a groundbreaking experiment, these fungi demonstrated their prowess in breaking down polypropylene, marking a significant stride towards a more sustainable future.