Bioremediation as a Sustainable Solution for Plastic Pollution under ESG Framework

Abstract

Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge, threatening marine biodiversity and human health through the generation of microplastics. Conventional waste management methods, such as landfilling and incineration, often entail high greenhouse gas emissions and land-use limitations.Consequently, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed. This paper investigates whether bioremediation-specifically the use of enzymes and microorganisms to degrade plastics-offers a viable solution within the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. Through a comparative analysis of traditional waste treatments and bioremediation technologies, supplemented by case studies of recent scientific and industrial applications, this study evaluates the sustainability of biological approaches. The findings suggest that while bioremediation holds significant potential to mitigate plastic waste and support the circular economy by reducing environmental impact, it is constrained by technological limitations, slow degradation rates, and economic costs. Therefore, bioremediation should be viewed not as a panacea, but as a complementary measure to reduction and recycling strategies. Its future application is promising but requires careful integration within the ESG framework.