Vanillin From Plastic?

Vanillin (which gives the vanilla flavour and odour) is currently largely synthesised from fossil fuels, rather than being extracted from pods. This 'flavouring' is widely used in food and cosmetics, as well as some pharmaceuticals, cleaning products and herbicides. A team at Edinburgh University have employed genetically-engineered bacteria to make vanillin, whilst they 'feast' on waste plastic bottles (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/15/scientists-convert-used-plastic-bottles-into-vanilla-flavouring). Vanillin has commercial value. The Edinburgh group consequently suggest their novel process, will make recycling of plastics a more attractive option (rather than burning or landfill). It should not, however, be used as a green light to manufacture yet more plastics from petrochemicals. There is simply too much single-use plastic to turn it all into vanilla!