Low Temperature Plastics Recycling?

Many bacteria and fungi can break down plastics at relatively high temperatures (above 30 degrees Centigrade). A requirement for heat, means they can't be used in what should be carbon neutral processes. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute have now, however, identified new micro-organisms that can do this job at 15 degrees (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/may/10/microbes-digest-plastics-low-temperatures-recycling). The research, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, studied strains of bacteria and fungi discovered on plastics, buried for a year in the Swiss alps, as well as Greenland and Svalbard (Norway). None of the identified micro-organisms, could digest non-biodegradable Polyethylene. A number of the bacterial and fungal strains, however, could break down Polyester polyurethane, as well as experimental mixtures of plastics. They could do this in total darkness. This finding certainly increases the probability of devising low temperature disposal of some plastic waste. It shouldn't, however, be regarded as a 'green light', encouraging increased production/employment of non-biodegradable plastics!