Stock Photo - 23 May 2022, Saxony, Leipzig: At the Institute of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Leipzig, Jörg Matysik, Patricia Falkenstein and Christian Sonnendecker (l-r) stand at an NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectrometer, which is used to study the structure and function elucidation of degrading enzymes for PET plastics. For the lightweight plastic, which is used for food packaging and beverage bottles, among other applications, the scientists discovered a highly efficient enzyme in compost piles that degrades PET plastic in record time. The PHL7 enzyme could make biological PET recycling, which has been problematic to date, possible much faster than previously thought. Research work with enzymes is underway with partners in Spain, England, France and Italy, among others, and is to be tested with industrial partners in two years. Photo: Waltraud Grubitzsch/dpa/ZB. - Leipzig/Saxony/Germany