A new degradable supramolecular plastic has been created that decomposes in seawater into monomers that can be metabolized by bacteria.

Scientists are scouring garbage sites around the world for bacteria, fungi and even insects that harbor enzymes that could be harnessed for breaking down various polymers. It’s early days, but if the efforts can be efficiently scaled-up, such biological recycling could put a dent in the plastic waste problem.