Overview
Through extensive discussions with stakeholders—including experts, NGOs, industry partners, and fellow iGEM teams—we realized that PLA, while often promoted as a biodegradable and eco-friendly plastic, still faces major challenges in real-world recycling and degradation. Our interview with Mr. Yes-Tek and conversations with Greenpeace highlighted the limited practicality of current PLA disposal methods, while feedback from academia emphasized the need for sustainable, scalable solutions. These insights made it clear that addressing the PLA problem requires not only scientific innovation but also public awareness and systemic change.
In response, we took action on multiple fronts. We conducted surveys that revealed a significant lack of public understanding about plastics and PLA, which guided us to design education and advocacy initiatives. For example, we organized school and hospital outreach programs, co-hosted a STEAM Fair, and held lectures such as inviting Da-Fong Environmental Company to explain recycling challenges. At the same time, we engaged in social responsibility by volunteering with Shoes Saves Lives, where we combined service with awareness-raising about plastic issues.
These engagements fed directly back into our project design and strengthened its social relevance. By reflecting on stakeholder feedback and adapting our approach, we ensured that our enzyme-based solution is not only scientifically grounded but also aligned with real societal needs. Our Human Practices journey exemplifies engagement, reflection, and responsiveness, enabling us to address the PLA challenge from both a technical and a human-centered perspective.
Resources & Communities Consulted
Online Seminar with the MSU iGEM Team
Background and Goal
To gain a better understanding of the topic we're investigating, PLA-degrading enzymes, we decided to reach out to past iGEM teams that have conducted similar research. On one hand to give us a direction on researching and investigating the topic of PLA, on the other hand, to understand the challenges they faced, which helps us to prepare for the upcoming challenges. After research, we found the Michigan State University 2024 iGEM team, whose objective is also to find a better approach to degrade PLA, polylactic acid.
Engagement
We discussed with the Michigan State University 2024 iGEM team online regarding the following concerns: The Future Sustainability of PLA Plastics and Human Health and Environmental Impact. First, we discuss some challenges when they work with PLA that we may also encounter in our experiment, so we can prepare for those upcoming challenges we may meet. We also discussed how different people, including various stakeholders, can possess a different view and concern about PLA. This helps our team to create and build our HP activities we later held. Furthermore, we have a better understanding on how the PLA was in the United States, which luckily contributed our research to find natureworks as one of the biggest inspirations for our sustainable development works. The Michigan State University 2024 iGEM team not only provided us with a direction of our Human Practice projects, we also obtained valuable feedback about the judging session. Since it is our first time participating in the competition, we are very curious of what the competition venue or the judging session will look like. On the experimental aspect, they provided us with past experience and challenges when working with PLA degrading enzymes. For example, they mentioned that the protein efficiency will decrease due to the accumulating lactic acid inside the medium. They also walked us through their project and directed us to improve our topic.
Feedback & Reflection
Overall, It is indeed a valuable experience to talk with the past iGEM teams. This meeting provided a chance for us to identify the improvement of our project and design the further extension we can do for our upcoming Human Practice Project. We got to learn new techniques, such as Gibson Assembly that the team used, contacting the local Michigan environmental protection service, and PLA-related manufacturers. Besides, we were also astonished by the team's great project of utilizing Shewanella strain to convert PLA to power. This interesting topic made the session more engaging, and we were able to exchange more on both our team's prospect on PLA's future.
Visiting Professor Si-Yu Li at Chung Hsing University
Background and Goal
In order to understand the knowledge, applications, and technologies of PLA plastic enzymatic degradation, we contacted and visited Professor Li Siyu from the Department of Chemical Engineering at National Chung Hsing University. His main areas of expertise are microbial gene design, microbial applications, and biodegradable plastics. Through this opportunity, we hoped to gain deeper insights into the conversion of PLA plastics and the subsequent utilization of by-products, so as to evaluate the direction of our upcoming experiments and research.
Engagement
During the visit, we first raised our current doubts and bottlenecks in the experiment, such as methods for measuring the concentration and separating the degradation products of PLA, as well as information related to HPLC technology. Professor Li generously shared his knowledge with us, including the current methods, principles, time requirements, advantages and disadvantages of PLA degradation, other types of biodegradable plastics beyond PLA, and the functions and applications of HPLC. This greatly expanded our understanding of PLA plastics. In addition, we explained our interest in learning more about the sustainability of biodegradable plastics, and sought his opinions and suggestions on the feasibility and applications of lactic acid and pyruvic acid—products derived from PLA degradation. Professor Li listed several current uses of PLA plastic products, and further explained the challenges biodegradable plastics face in the market, which strengthened our determination to address the issue of Taiwan phasing out PLA plastic products.
Feedback & Reflection
The professor not only affirmed our focus on environmental issues but also praised our approach of using enzymes to decompose PLA plastics in order to reduce environmental harm. Finally, the professor reminded us of two important points. First, the difficulty of environmental protection: if we aim to achieve the concept of “sustainability,” it requires considering far more than just how to decompose and reuse plastics; other issues such as public engagement and government policies must also be addressed. Second, the cost of using enzymes: if we propose a project based on enzymatic decomposition, we need to consider not only its feasibility but also the market's acceptance of the cost. This visit has given us valuable knowledge about PLA plastics and provided our research with many new directions worth reflecting on and striving toward.
Online meeting with Yes-Tek Co., Ltd.
Background and Goal
At the early stage of our project, we focused on scientific design and laboratory implementation, which gave us a strong technical foundation. As the project developed, we also realized the value of exploring its practicality and social impact, allowing our work to become more comprehensive and meaningful. To deepen this understanding, we consulted Yes-Tek Co., Ltd., a company with proven success in PLA recycling and modification technologies. They have developed advanced solutions such as PLA cup recycling under SBIR projects, and are well recognized for their expertise in optical-grade plastics and customized polymer materials. Our goal was to learn from their experience and evaluate how our project could move from research to real-world application.
Engagement
During the online meeting, we introduced our project and exchanged ideas with the representatives from Yes-Tek Co., Ltd.. They shared their insights on PLA recycling and posed critical questions, such as why we chose PLA given its relatively limited use in Taiwan, how our enzyme-based method compared with mature technologies like hydrolysis at high temperatures, and what unique advantages our approach could offer. They also reminded us of real-world challenges, such as the lack of composting facilities in Taiwan, and emphasized the importance of partnerships with government agencies and large companies.Throughout the discussion, they provided constructive feedback on our approach and raised practical questions that encouraged us to think beyond the lab.
Feedback & Reflection
The meeting with Yes-Tek Co., Ltd. was a turning point for our team. They pointed out that although PLA degradation is scientifically feasible, many existing methods are already mature and cost efficiency remains a key barrier. This pushed us to rethink the strengths of our project. In response, we emphasized our enzyme-based solution, which works under mild conditions and is more environmentally friendly compared to high-temperature hydrolysis.
Guided by their feedback, we also recognized the importance of linking our work with public awareness and policy. As a result, we actively participated in a citizen proposal to advocate for broader adoption of PLA and highlight the potential of our enzyme solution. To further connect science with society, we organized science education activities, public lectures, and questionnaire-based outreach, aiming to increase people's understanding of PLA, plastic recycling, and sustainable solutions.
Through these actions, we transformed Yes-Tek Co., Ltd.'s feedback into concrete steps that strengthened both our project design and its social relevance. We not only receive advice but also turn insights into meaningful action.
Lecture with the Da-Fung Recycling Company
Background and Goal
Da-Fong Environmental is a company dedicated to plastic resource recycling and reuse, while also paying close attention to global environmental issues. They regularly organize environmental awareness lectures and activities. Together with Da-Fong, we held a lecture in hopes of learning more about plastic waste management and gaining insights into their perspectives on PLA plastics and other biodegradable plastics.
Engagement
The lecture was delivered by Manager Cheng-Yu Hsu, who shared with us the global warming crisis the Earth is currently facing, the different types of plastics available on the market, biodegradable materials, the processes and applications of plastic recycling, the distinctions between biodegradable and compostable materials, as well as his views and suggestions on the feasibility of applying enzymatic degradation of PLA plastics in our research. His talk not only deepened our understanding of plastics but also heightened our awareness of related environmental issues.
Feedback & Reflection
After Manager Hsu's lecture, he also engaged in a Q&A session with our team members. He offered thought-provoking suggestions regarding our initial idea of applying PLA plastic degradation to produce alcohol, such as the issue of cost and the potential of other products with higher economic value. This lecture not only expanded our knowledge of plastics and the current market situation of PLA plastics but also prompted us to reconsider the application-oriented direction of our research.
Team Meetup with the CSMU iGEM Team
Background and Goal
iGEM is a community where students from around the world can take on the role of scientists leading their own research projects, while coming together to share their concerns and insights on important issues. The discussions cover a wide range of global topics related to biology. To foster mutual understanding with fellow participating teams and to receive objective suggestions and feedback, we invited the iGEM team from Chung Shan Medical University (CSMU) to hold an online exchange session with us.
Engagement
At the beginning of the exchange session, both teams first introduced the framework and goals of their respective projects, and shared the actions taken and progress made so far to realize their ideas, including work in the Dry Lab, Wet Lab, and education. During the discussion, the Chung Shan Medical University team found our idea of “addressing the current challenge in Taiwan regarding the ban on PLA plastics” to be highly meaningful. Towards the end of the meeting, we proposed potential collaboration and exchanged project questionnaires with each other, hoping to support the issues the other team aims to advocate for, while continuing iGEM's spirit and cycle of mutual learning and sharing.
Feedback & Reflection
Through this exchange session, we shared with each other and engaged in a thorough and engaging discussion. The Chung Shan Medical University team also affirmed the novelty of our project. In addition to gaining knowledge in unfamiliar fields, we also received genuine feedback and profound insights.
Evidence of Responsibility to the World
Greenpeace Online Seminar
Background and Goal
The online session with the Greenpeace organization in Taiwan has been a model of our project presentation. We introduced the fact that we are adopting a citizens' petition to the governmental system and redefining the recycling mechanism through troubleshooting issues with classification, landfilling of PLA plastics require specific conditions and environment, and the lack of efficiency in enzymatic degradation, using functional assays in the lab and an auto-induction system.
Engagement
In this session, we knew that PLA was both highly emphasized by the Greenpeace organization and our team. We made clear that a sustainable development that involves the presence of PLA plastics should include fundamental elements of public recognition of what it is, enhancements of currently commercialized enzymes (making it more designated to PLA), and the auto-induction system as a prototype for the measurement. All of these points are how we expect PLA to be more degradable and sustainable at the same time.
From this session, we got to know that Greenpeace had its offices in Taipei and Bangkok executing this sample project on degradation efficiency in the past. While the difficulties of the experiment on hydrolysis has led to the belief of their suggestion: prevent using one-time plastics for a more sustainable future. All these years, the organization has been a pillar for advocating the PLA plastic with the ideology that it can be reused. As we saw in our normal lives, cafes such as Starbucks and grocery marts such as carrefour have been providing a choice for using “return cups” that customers can give back to the store and reuse. These have all been the organization's prospects.
We, however, had different points of view on improving the current enzymes that are available like lipase and proteases to center more on PLA degradation. Without these improvements made, that means enabling PLA degradation is going on a setback. If these enzymes may be refined with our auto-induction method on measurement, the data of protein expression can prove the production of enzymes able to RePLace with PLAstic instead of one-time uses of them.
Feedback & Reflection
The session gave us a lot of chances to introduce a new project to the partners who've also been working in this area of expertise for a while. Our team began to research more on what we can apply those thoughts shared to Greenpeace in the session to our normal lives. We conceived connections with certain activities such as sports activities or plastic recycling stops to promote our method for the people to use PLA plastics and understand them better by distinguishing them between other types of plastics and won't be mixed up in the trash bin with other types of plastics.
Potential Impact Analysis
Visiting Leezen Organic Supermarket
Background and Goal
Leezen, an organic supermarket that uses PLA packaging for vegetables, is one of the target fields we hope to collaborate with. We went to interview them because their use of PLA bags is directly connected to the experiment our team is working on. Leezen also recycles their packaging bags for other purposes, which inspired us to think more about the future of PLA. Through this visit, we wanted to find out whether our project's business model is practical and impactful, and we also hope to gain a chance to visit their composting site in Gukeng and the manufacturer of PLA bags. By working together, we believe we can help increase the sustainability of our society.
Engagement
During the interview, we found out that they recycled their bags to make potted plants. About 80 percent of PLA bags will be recycled, because of the point accumulation mechanism and ease in achieving for public. Customers just tear off the label, so the completion rate is very high. The eco-friendly material of potted plants was 100 percent decomposable and was used for selling, so if someone abandoned it, potted plants won't be a menace to the environment.
Feedback & Reflection
Leezen, an organic supermarket that uses PLA packaging for vegetables, is one of the target fields we hope to collaborate with. We went to interview them because their use of PLA bags is directly connected to the experiment our team is working on. Leezen also recycles their packaging bags for other purposes, which gave us inspiration for thinking about the future of PLA. During the interview, Leezen affirmed our project and business model, saying that it is practical and has potential to make a real impact. They even expressed interest in the idea of collaboration with our team. At the same time, they pointed out some challenges we need to address, such as the lack of composting facilities in Taiwan and the limited efficiency of PLA-degrading enzymes. This feedback was very helpful because it showed us that, while our business model is feasible, improving the effectiveness of PLA-degrading enzymes will be crucial for the success and sustainability of our project.
Target Audience & Future Application
Pre-test questionnaire
Background and Goal
Plastic pollution has become a major global environmental issue, and Taiwan's recycling system shows limited effectiveness due to gaps between awareness and behavior. This study aimed to assess Taiwanese citizens' knowledge, attitudes, and support toward plastics and bio-based plastics (PLA), while suggesting possible improvements and identifying shortcomings in the current recycling system.
Engagement
A total of 301 valid responses were collected through pilot and main surveys, targeting adolescents (12-18) and middle-aged adults (above 30). Beyond data collection, the survey incorporated “opportunity education,” allowing respondents to learn about PLA during the process. This not only enhanced participation but also increased public awareness of environmental issues.
Feedback & Reflection
Findings revealed that while most citizens worry about plastic hazards, they lack classification knowledge. Awareness of PLA was low, but support rose significantly after the educational intervention. Respondents highlighted the benefits of PLA but raised concerns about costs and recycling feasibility. Feedback from the recycling industry emphasized Taiwan's limitations in facilities, land, and technology. These reflections underline the importance of strengthening education, encouraging innovation, and providing policy and market support for PLA adoption. Below is a chart showing the distribution of scores from our public quiz. It's clear that many people's perceptions of plastics still need improvement.
Old Shoes Saves Lives
Background and Goal
In order to raise public awareness of the crisis of plastic pollution, we participated in local events and combined them with other environmental initiatives, aiming to engage participants in diverse ways and inspire broader resonance. During the activities, we not only organized educational and interactive sessions but also distributed questionnaires to examine how well Taiwanese citizens understand the current situation of plastic waste, as well as their awareness of the environmental and health impacts it causes.
The overall goal of this initiative was not only to deliver knowledge but also to foster interaction, reflection, and constructive dialogue. By combining awareness-raising efforts with public feedback, we sought to enable participants to think more critically about plastic pollution and potential solutions. Ultimately, the initiative aimed to promote a stronger sense of shared responsibility and encourage collective action toward environmental sustainability.
Engagement
Participant engagement in the activities was primarily facilitated through the use of questionnaires, which served both as a tool for data collection and as a means of environmental education. The questionnaires included informative sections that introduced key concepts about plastic pollution, recycling systems, and bioplastics such as PLA. This approach allowed participants to actively reflect on their own awareness and habits while learning new information. The engagement was further evidenced by the high completion rate of the questionnaires, indicating that participants were attentive and responsive throughout the activity. By integrating educational content directly into the survey, the activity effectively combined knowledge dissemination with participant involvement, ensuring a meaningful and interactive experience even without group discussions or hands-on exercises.
Feedback & Reflection
According to the data, the public believes that the main issue with Taiwan's current recycling system is the lack of clarity in waste-sorting methods. This is followed by problems such as recycling technology not being advanced enough, the inability to properly process materials, the high cost of recycling, which lowers willingness to participate, and the inadequacy of government recycling policies. Our team aims to address these latter three issues.
According to the responses we received, nearly 70% of the public believes that using enzymes to accelerate the degradation of PLA (bio-based plastics) is a very important technology.
According to the responses we received, if there were an enzyme capable of degrading PLA plastics more efficiently in the natural environment, nearly 80% of the public would be willing to choose products containing PLA.
Survey results indicate that up to 90% of respondents support the government in establishing a dedicated classification and recycling system for PLA plastics.
Public Concerns
- Manufacturing cost
- Possible unknown side effects or negative impacts on the human body
- Level of adoption/popularity
- Worry that the technology is not yet mature
- Concerns about additional waste or pollution
- Potential hidden dangers
Summary
the majority of the public appears inclined to support the recycling of plastics through enzymatic degradation of PLA. Nevertheless, current governmental policy in Taiwan classifies PLA as a single-use plastic and prohibits its use. This prohibition primarily stems from the lack of appropriate infrastructure for PLA degradation. As a result, certain composting facilities are unable to effectively process PLA, with some resorting to incineration as the only viable disposal method. Our team, therefore, seeks to enhance both the convenience and efficiency of PLA degradation, so as to prevent a material originally intended to be environmentally sustainable from inadvertently contributing to further environmental deterioration. According to the data, the public believes that the main issue with Taiwan's current recycling system is the lack of clarity in waste-sorting methods. This is followed by problems such as recycling technology not being advanced enough, the inability to properly process materials, the high cost of recycling, which lowers willingness to participate, and the inadequacy of government recycling policies. Our team aims to address these latter three issues.
Public Engagement & Education
STEAM Fair
Activities
- Banana DNA Extraction
- DNA Structure
- DNA Electrophoresis and Introduction to Pipettes (with Hands-on Practice)
Background and Goal
To promote the iGEM team and the fundamental knowledge of molecular synthetic biology, we organized a three-day STEAM FAIR science experience activity for junior high school students at Mingdao High School. The event was held in the school's multifunctional classroom, hosted and presented by members of the iGEM team. Through this activity, we hoped to spark students' interest and enthusiasm in the related fields and provide them with the opportunity to become future members of the iGEM team.
Engagement
Banana DNA Extraction
The activity began with a PPT presentation. Through Q&A, we helped students better understand the principles and purposes of each step. They then performed a step-by-step banana DNA extraction experiment. At the end, each student took home their extracted banana DNA as a souvenir. This hands-on experience not only gave them exposure to knowledge beyond textbooks but also deepened their impression through practical engagement.
DNA Structure
This session consisted of two parts: a PPT introduction and hands-on practice. We first introduced how scientists discovered and named DNA, where DNA can be found, and explained the structure of nucleotides and complementary base pairs. Next, students created origami DNA models to better understand its structure. This added an element of fun to the lesson, preventing it from becoming too monotonous. The activity not only helped students grasp DNA's structure but also expanded their knowledge of DNA.
DNA Electrophoresis and Pipette Introduction (with Hands-on Practice)
This activity also included two parts: a PPT introduction and hands-on practice. First, we introduced the principles of electrophoresis and the structure and usage of manual single-channel pipettes, teaching students how to operate lab equipment. Then, they practiced transferring DNA samples into the wells of an electrophoresis gel using pipettes, followed by running the electrophoresis experiment. While waiting for results, we further explained the experimental principles through PPT, linking hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge. This activity not only gave students the opportunity to try out commonly used research equipment but also introduced them to scientific knowledge not usually covered in regular coursework.
Feedback & Reflection
During the Q&A session at the end of each day's activity, there were always students who found the iGEM competition and related fields novel and interesting, eagerly raising their hands to ask questions. This made us realize that our actions could have a considerable impact. The activity not only enhanced students' interest in molecular synthetic biology but also increased their potential to join an iGEM team in the future. Through the activity, students interested in the iGEM competition gained a clearer understanding of its content and built a foundation in wet lab knowledge.
Taiwan x India Online Seminar
Background & Goal
As part of our iGEM outreach, we collaborated with ACTNOW Global to organize an online seminar for elementary school students in India. The purpose of this session was to raise awareness about plastic pollution and to introduce biotechnology as a tool for building sustainable solutions.
We first explained the issue of plastic waste, emphasizing that the problem starts on land rather than in the ocean, since most plastics are made from fossil fuels, cannot biodegrade, and are difficult to recycle.
To provide context for our research, we introduced PLA (Polylactic Acid) as an alternative bioplastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. While PLA has advantages like a lower carbon footprint, it only degrades under industrial composting conditions that require controlled temperature, humidity, and microbial communities. In everyday environments, PLA behaves much like conventional plastics. We highlighted that this challenge motivates our team's wet lab project: engineering microorganisms and enzymes that can degrade PLA more efficiently, enabling it to become a truly sustainable material.
Engagement
Before the session, we designed a short questionnaire to assess students' knowledge of plastic waste and bioplastics. The results showed that while most of them understood that plastic waste is harmful, almost none had heard of PLA or bioplastics.
To make the session interactive and understandable, we used simple analogies. For example, we compared PLA-degrading enzymes to “tiny scissors” that cut plastics into smaller pieces until they disappear. We also emphasized why PLA degradation is difficult, explaining that special composting conditions are required, and introduced the idea that highly efficient enzymes could overcome this limitation. To connect the science with their daily lives, we showed examples of PLA applications such as compostable cups, food containers, and 3D-printing filaments.
The students were highly engaged and asked thoughtful questions about how enzymes work and how biotechnology can solve real-world problems, making the session lively and inspiring.
Feedback & Reflection
The feedback revealed that many students were surprised to learn about the limitations of PLA, particularly that it cannot degrade under normal conditions. They showed strong interest in our idea of using efficient enzymes to address this issue. The session not only helped them better understand the root of plastic pollution but also inspired them to see biotechnology as a tool for building a more sustainable future.
For our team, this cross-cultural exchange was a valuable experience in science communication. It trained us to explain complex research in simple, engaging terms suitable for younger audiences, and it reinforced the importance of outreach in promoting public understanding of synthetic biology. At the same time, the discussions also highlighted how strongly the challenge of PLA degradation resonates even outside of the lab, reminding us that our wet lab efforts—engineering microorganisms and enzymes to accelerate PLA breakdown—are closely tied to real environmental needs. We believe that such experiences lay the groundwork for greater awareness of how biotechnology can contribute to sustainability.
Changhua Christian Hospital Afternoon Educational Activity
Background & Goal
As the recycling system and the market remain huge problems in society, it is important to advocate for this issue to the people who share this planet with us. Before visiting the Changhua Christian Hospital, we designed a board game called “PlasQuick” for educational purposes. Additionally, we'd also conveyed a message to the participants by also bringing in the “artwork workshop”, where we made plastic-waste artworks to let them understand how plastics possess uses other than just waste after being abandoned, incinerated, or broken down into mixed soil.
The reason we were able to host an event in the hospital is because of one of our collaborators in Taiwan called AccessCure. AccessCure is a Taiwanese student body established to visit the children in the hospital by designing intriguing artwork courses for them. We decided to conceive our own entertaining board game and artwork for them. We also made it as inclusive as we can to let the kids who could not attend school because of their health issues and have been undergoing long-term surgeries and recovery.
Engagement
Therefore, our team began creating a blueprint for both the board game “PlasQuick” and the artwork sometime in January. In this process, we also experience initial teamwork by contacting AccessCure.
We took a small trip to Changhua County and the hospital. Our target audience was the patient kids and their families. We aimed to facilitate a better understanding of PLA and how often it can be seen in our lives, if there is a correct mechanism to deal with its issues. This is a field that they're not as privileged to be familiar with, and that is why, in the beginning, we provided them with a basic sharing session of what they can see in their daily life. Most of their responses were the same as we thought. In Taiwan, plastic utensils, food packaging materials, and cups are often seen due to the long work hours that require people to order takeout and fast food. When we received their response, we followed up with a game called “PlasQuick that introduces the recycling mechanism of the current days, correct ways of recycling each type of plastic, and what type of plastics are seen in their normal life, as well as what kind of objects.
We were glad to help more people to embrace the chance of knowing more about plastic and their determination to help after the activity. The kids and parents successfully learned the knowledge and provided us with helpful and kind feedback.
Since our audience was children and their parents, we made this board game in a more family-based way, so that the children could be energetic in the game, and the parents could be their guide, but also learn from the game. We first finished a lot of rounds for the game, and we proceeded with a round-table discussion to introduce our project goals to them in a more simplified way. We took the cards of PLA in the board game, and we brought up its uniqueness, difficulties, and potential solutions to them. That way, public awareness may be effectively raised, and it can also become one of our most pivotal public engagements for the citizens' petition in the future.
Other than that, we also advocated for the importance of thinking of the value of plastics. Landfill would reduce its feasibility to be used again as Da-Fung recycling company showcased their abandoned plastics to lifestyle goods. These plastics could be reused again somehow after its classification and doesn’t necessarily need to end up being nomadic in the sea or landfill for no additional value afterward. Plastics could be made into goods such as sporting goods, toys, or even hotel products that we’ve often seen when we’re travelling. We talked to the kids about how values may be restored by just a small act of recreating something new. That is why we made artworks collectively to let the kids and their family understand more about what is beyond plastic recycling and what it can do when it is used.
We found this event enjoyable and impactful to the hospital kids and families. They are the key to our endeavors in advocating for the issues, gathering thoughtful feedback, and persisting in our project’s vision. This enhanced engagement is what values this importance for the project to strive, especially when more and more people outside in the community are supporting us for one good reason: to make the world a better place with the accurate application and waste management of the PLA plastics that could still offer people good and put an end of the deleterious effects of other petroleum-based plastics.
Feedback & Reflection
After this activity in the afternoon, we went back to our headquarters and started to conceive what is next for our project if we would like to make the promise that we made to the people at the hospitals, which is developing available enzymes for effective PLA degradation. We thought for a while and started researching. We found that some commercially available enzymes are widely praised for their nature, and the government had been suggested to promote enzymatic degradation through those too. Nevertheless, most of them are not specifically designed for the PLA degradation while carrying the potential to do so. We wanted to ensure that our education is a public engagement for the real solutions that may bring positivity and sustainability to our future, so we decided to delve into the enzymes we researched after this public advocacy. This activity made us more determined for what we wanted to do in the Wet Lab, so we would continue the experiment. April was a lot about outreach and raising public awareness that strengthened our integrity towards the experiment coming up in summer 2025.
Breaking the learning gap of intellectually and physically challenged children: The Angel Heart Family Foundation
Background & Goal
Within our local society, marginalized communities have experienced great challenges when trying to learn about environmental issues and raise self-awareness for the use of plastic. Physically and intellectually challenged children are often overlooked or excluded when it comes to STEM learning due to the lack of accessible equipment or design, inflexible teaching that doesn’t respect individual needs, and negative stereotypes that hinder equal communication. Observing the difficulties of physically and intellectually challenged groups, the education team of Mingdao iGEM aimed to develop accessible resources for all these children to understand the plastic recycle chain and what role PLA plastics plays in it. Another purpose of the education team was to bridge friendly communication between students and marginalized communities. Through the development of educational activities, the team members were able to recognize inequalities present in STEM education, gain information upon practical methods to avoid inaccessible design, and understand the significance of encouraging physically and intellectually children to explore STEM. The Mingdao iGEM team is based in Taichung, where over 7000 special needs children reside. The Angel Heart Foundation is an institution that provides seminars for parents with special needs children, to guide parents how to attend to their children’s special needs. When the parents are attending seminars, the children would be taken care of by volunteers. For this iGEM education event, 4 members of the iGEM team have signed up for the 1 day volunteer program held by Angel Heart Foundation and collaborated with the foundation to carry out an educational event with 20 of the special needs children.
In Taiwan’s national curriculum, the Ministry of Environment suggested that board games and drawing were beneficial to enhance elementary to high school level children’s understanding of environmental issues. Since the education team is devising learning experiences that nurtures strong interest towards science within physically and intellectually challenged children, we chose to create hands-on activities, which were proven to intrigue curiosity of special education students when learning science. A critical aspect the iGEM education team evaluated when developing hands-on activities was its ability to present abstract concepts straightforwardly. Using previous experience of creating board games in the school design class, the education team members devised an interactive board game in both Chinese and English versions. Members of the education team who have volunteered in student-led organizations also suggested adding arts and crafts alongside the learning experience for younger audiences. The special needs children attending the educational event have been diagnosed with learning difficulties, ASD, and ADHD. When researching suitable activities, we have learned that art therapy mitigates learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Moreover, it has been supported that art therapy improves social, cognitive, and emotional skills in children with the disorders above. Arts and crafts is useful for helping special needs children learn about recycling, and also provides a hands-on learning experience.
PlasQuick Board Game
Board Game Design
At the beginning of PlasQuick, the game introduces the brief history of plastic, while asking 4 critical questions the Mingdao iGEM team also faced when evaluating how PLA can improve the sustainability of plastic usage.
The questions are:
- Why is recycling plastic important?
- Where does plastic waste go after we use them?
- What makes a plastic recycling system effective?
- Is plastic renewable for another application?
To learn about the perspective of plastic recyclers towards PLA, the Mingdao iGEM team invited the DaFon Environmental Technology Cooperation to hold a lecture at school. The lecture’s topic was an evaluation of whether PLA use is viable under the current recycling mechanism in Taiwan. After listening to the lecture, the iGEM education team generated 4 questions that can guide ourselves to establish a vision. The vision includes a proper, feasible recycling mechanism of plastic which the Environmental Protection Bureau, consumers of plastics (corporations), and recycling centers abide by.
Within PlasQuick, players are assigned the role of local recyclers. Players are awarded points when they correctly sort, collect, and recycle plastic.
Since the target audience of PlasQuick is people ages 10 and above, plus the game emphasizes accessibility, the accessory cards are differentiated with infographics and color.
Feedback & Reflection
This board game encapsulates the essence of the relations of sustainability and the market. Our main goal after this game is to ease our participants’ response to the issue by questions and familiarizing with the plastic classification to make PLA’s involvement easier. In the afternoon, we found that kids who we were informed of having intellectual and emotional barriers really shined bright in this game. Although a lot of knowledge wasn't heard by them before walking into this room, the end value of this educational activity was still reached. We had a lot of precious feedback and also let all kinds of people understand the issue as well.
Implementation Strategy
Citizens’ Petition to the Taiwanese Government
Background & Goal
Our motivation comes from addressing the challenge of plastics’ long-term resistance to degradation and their resulting environmental impacts. By introduceing outstanding work of improving current enzymes and creating an auto-induction system to be both innovative and promising. We transferred this technical ideas into a unambiguous citizen’s petition. We knew that this proposal shouldn’t just be our voices. That is why throughout the questionnaires we conducted at our school and in Kaohsiung city for the advocacy with “Old Shoes Save Lives”; we began to collect more textual evidence and practical support from the people who can help us promote it to the government.
Anticipated Positive Impacts
During the process, we once again generated significant benefits on multiple fronts.
Environmental dimension:
By enabling the rapid enzymatic degradation of PLA plastics into harmless substances, the accumulation and persistence of plastic waste can be drastically reduced. This also mitigates the ecological and health risks associated with microplastic release. Unlike incineration or landfill disposal, this method avoids soil and air pollution, thereby enhancing the sustainability of waste management practices.
Policy dimension:
Successful deployment of this technology can remove barriers to PLA adoption in Taiwan and reposition it as a viable green material. By lifting restrictions and establishing dedicated PLA recycling and processing systems, Taiwan can align with international sustainability trends and secure a place in the global biomaterials market.
Industrial dimension:
Broader applications of PLA will expand market opportunities, stimulating the growth of the green technology sector while creating new jobs and economic value. Collaboration among government, academia, and industry will further drive technological innovation and talent cultivation, strengthening Taiwan’s international competitiveness in environmental technology.
Feedback & Reflection
Overall, the implementation of this proposal will integrate environmental protection, policy reform, and industrial development. It will not only provide an effective solution to plastic pollution but also accelerate Taiwan’s transition toward a circular economy and a sustainable society.
The 2025 Citizens’ Petition Competition
Background & Goal
This petition serves as an analysis of all the project items we’ve been working on. After the session with Professor Si-Yu Li, we acquired more information on the HPLC analytical technology for our measurement and potential cooperation with the organic farm. Although we rearranged the plan because we found that the aforementioned two ideas are more intricate to do. We still learned a lot about the potential impacts there could be. Therefore, we gathered all the information, including our process of building up this entire project into the petition.
Engagement
We also uploaded this petition into a competition of it. The competition encourages more representative of the youth demographics to speak out for the community issues to the public. When we heard that this is a potential opportunity for the judges of that competition to reflect on our project’s potential impacts and rationale, we went very avid into this chance. We did not get posted of any new information about the results of the competition, but this engagement with the public has shown our sustained endeavor into this project.
Last but not least, we submitted this petition to the government’s official request page. This petition will be verified by the committees responsible for the reviews and will be posted on more sites or bulletin board for more support and witnessed.
Feedback & Reflection
From this experience, we get to understand better of what the project means to the world and the plastic industries. We have successfully exhibited all our thoughts to the public and the indelible records of interviewing or consulting the experts. Until the very last moment when we pressed sent, we started to know that our project has been more focused and organized than before.
Business (Subsidy-Driven Model in Taiwan)
In Taiwan, some business activities are not entirely driven by the market but are instead dependent on government subsidies, contracts, or funding programs. A key characteristic of this model is that companies or organizations secure financial resources primarily by “complying with regulations” and “correct categorization,” rather than through product innovation or market competition.
PLA's Target Field
To address the challenge of PLA plastics being difficult to sort, we decided to use the target field (see Sustainable Development section for more details) as the front end of our business model. By collaborating with specific areas—such as schools or large sporting events—we ensure that consumers within these designated zones can only purchase PLA-based plastic products. This approach not only solves the PLA sorting problem but also makes our business model simpler and more efficient.
Government Subsidy Mechanism
Government subsidies in Taiwan come from various sources, including central ministries (such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Science and Technology, and Environmental Protection Administration), local governments, and projects from state-owned enterprises or industry associations. The typical process involves proposal writing and submission, expert review, project execution, and final evaluation with financial reporting. Since the requirements are well-defined, businesses that are familiar with the procedures and capable of meeting these demands can secure stable funding.
Business Operation Model
In this subsidy-driven environment, business activities often revolve around government projects, focusing on how to meet the expectations of review committees. Companies are required to strictly follow regulations for classification and management, including financial allocation, personnel distribution, and project execution. Furthermore, project evaluation tends to emphasize documentation and numerical outcomes rather than real market performance.
A concrete example is Taiwan’s long-term waste-sorting policy. Many businesses, communities, and NGOs do not profit through innovation but instead obtain subsidies by complying with government initiatives—for example, setting up recycling stations, organizing educational campaigns, or undertaking related projects. In this context, “proper waste sorting” is not only a social responsibility but also a core operational model for certain businesses.
Advantages
This model provides companies with stable funding, reduces market risks, and helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or startups survive during their early stages of limited capital. At the same time, subsidy policies can drive the growth of specific industries, such as green energy, cultural and creative sectors, and resource recycling.
Disadvantages
However, excessive reliance on subsidies may cause businesses to overlook market demand, resulting in a lack of innovation and international competitiveness. Resources may be disproportionately allocated to organizations that are skilled in proposal writing rather than those with actual product capabilities. Once government priorities shift or subsidies are reduced, these businesses may struggle to survive.
International Competition
In the United States and Europe, subsidies generally play a supplementary role, with market competition serving as the core driver of business development. In contrast, subsidies occupy a significant position in many industries in Taiwan, creating what is sometimes referred to as a “policy-dependent business model.” Waste sorting and recycling subsidies exemplify this phenomenon, shaping a particular economic ecosystem and reflecting the close connection between business and government policy in Taiwan.
Development Trends
Taiwan’s subsidy system is expected to continue, but future policies may place greater emphasis on market-oriented outcomes and practical applications, especially in environmental protection and circular economy initiatives. Subsidies related to waste sorting and recycling will likely remain key policy priorities. Nevertheless, if companies fail to gradually reduce their dependence on subsidies and establish their own competitiveness, the long-term effect may be a weakening of Taiwan’s global industrial influence.
Obstacles
Taiwan faces several challenges in adopting Polylactic Acid (PLA). First, PLA production costs are higher than those of conventional plastics, creating financial pressure for its large-scale use. Second, raw material supply, mainly corn starch and sugarcane, can be limited or fluctuate in price, affecting production stability. Third, PLA has lower heat resistance, durability, and mechanical strength compared to some traditional plastics, limiting its applications in high-temperature or high-stress environments. Fourth, the recycling and industrial composting infrastructure for PLA is not yet fully developed, which may lead to resource waste or environmental issues. Finally, public awareness of PLA’s properties and benefits remains limited, which may slow market acceptance. We are trying to solve these problems in the wet lab, such as optimizing enzymes.
Summary
Our integrated Human Practices work involved contacting stakeholders and recording and reflecting on their feedback. From this process, we identified two major challenges in society regarding the use of PLA. First, the efficiency of enzymes to break down PLA is too low for it to be widely used and properly recycled. Second, PLA is hard to distinguish from other plastics, which leads to unclear sorting.
In response, our project focused on optimizing enzymes to degrade PLA(For details, please see Engineering), and in doing so, we developed a robust measurement system(For details, please see Measurement). At the same time, we also worked on sustainable development(For details, please see Sustainability), trying to improve public understanding and proper sorting through targeted fields, citizen proposals, and education activities.
