The humble grub that could solve – and dissolve – our growing plastic problem

Researchers say the saliva of wax worms could revolutionise the way we look at plastic waste. Photo: CSIC/Cesar Hernandez

A small and unassuming insect could potentially revolutionise the way we look at plastic disposal – all thanks to the magic of enzymes.

Researchers from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) this week announced they discovered that the saliva of the wax worm has the ability to break down plastic.