The work is aimed at reducing the use of plastic in packaging while maintaining processing and performance standards.

A U.K. startup, originating from founder Jacob Nathan’s high school science project on using enzymes to break down plastic waste, has secured an oversubscribed $18.3 million in Series A funding.

For a long time, material development has focused on enhancing performance and reducing costs. Efforts have been directed toward making products lighter, tougher, better insulated, more beautiful, ...