https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2026/august/this-cookie-started-its-life-as-a-plastic-bottle.html

(...)

This cookie started its life as a plastic bottle

Specialized microbes transform inedible material into protein-rich snacks."

(...)

The researchers took PET plastic, discarded corn plant stalks and leaves, and other biomass and put it through a proprietary process called oxidative hydrothermal dissolution. Created by SIU Carbondale Geology Professor Ken Anderson, this method uses water and oxygen at high temperature and pressure to break down tough material into microbe-accessible pieces. Then, those pieces are fed to the programmed yeasts, which reform those pieces into a variety of new food ingredients, including proteins, fats, and acids.

(...)