NREL Partnerships Transform Energy in Response to Global Needs Relationships Across Sectors Unleash Market Impacts To Build On Jan. 22, 2021 NREL researcher Alli Werner prepares an experiment to evaluate the ability of engineered P. putida bacteria (in the flasks) to degrade polymeric plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). NREL's goal, in collaboration with industry, university, and government laboratory partners, is to use bio-based methods to convert these plastics into monomers that can be upcycled into high-value plastics once again—creating a circular plastics economy. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL 2021 begins for most as the new year always does, with hopeful optimism for change,