10072817NJA-1: A novel synthetic enzyme designed to transform polyolefin recyclingClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKHigh-density polyethylene \[HDPE\], low-density polyethylene \[LDPE\], and polypropylene \[PP\] are some of the most widely used consumer polyolefin plastics both globally and in the UK. Standard physico-chemical recycling methods for HDPE/LDPE/PP diminishes the quality of these materials between recycling rounds. When degraded beyond re-use, the waste is incinerated or reaches landfill. Despite significant work investigating the opportunities afforded by microorganisms and isolated enzymes as routes to recycling waste polyolefins, there are no industrial biocatalysis processes yet at scale supporting a polyolefin circular economy. To address this unmet need, Epoch Biodesign (formerly called Mellizyme Biotechnology) have developed a completely synthetic novel enzyme 'NJA-1' that can convert waste polyolefin plastics into polyesters. These polyesters can then be used for onwards remanufacturing processes. When NJA-1 is used in conjunction with another enzyme, the waste polyolefins can be fully degraded to a mixture of high-value compounds that can be sold onwards for application across a broad range of industrial processes, including new plastics manufacturing. The enable NJA-1 to support plastics recycling and cradle-to-cradle plastics manufacturing. Standard physico-chemical recycling methods leads to loss of plastic quality between recycling rounds. When degraded beyond re-use, this the creates waste for incineration (generating CO2) or landfill (which can leach chemicals into the environment). This is problem is overcome by NJA-1, as the NJA-1 mediated conversion and degradation of the HDPE, LDPE, and PP polymers maintains the integrity of the small molecules liberated. This supports perpetual cradle-to-cradle recycling. There is significant market opportunity for NJA-1; globally, just 9% of all plastic produced globally is recycled, suggestive of a significant opportunity for recyclers to valorise plastics that would be otherwise destined for landfill or incineration. NJA-1 has particular applicability to hard-to-recycle multi-laminate plastics, as well as plastic film, which can cause significant problems at mechanical recycling plants. This project will improve the activity of NJA-1 and enable exploration of secondary market applications outside of polyolefin plastics recycling. No environmental permits are required for this project.