# Plastic waste upcycling for edible food production > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/plastic-waste-upcycling-for-edible-food-production > Updated: 2026-08-26T05:42:40.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 2. Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, supported by a NASA-led Deep Space Food Challenge, have developed a method to transform PET plastic waste and agricultural leftovers into edible, protein-rich cookies known as ‘µBites’ or ‘AµBites’. The process utilizes oxidative hydrothermal dissolution—employing heat, water, and oxygen—to break down plastic and biomass into carbon-rich chemical compounds. Specialized yeast strains, modified using CRISPR technology, then consume these compounds to produce essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and flavoring molecules like vanilla. The resulting mixture is combined with starch and fiber before being shaped via 3D printing. While the technology is currently in the experimental stage with production costs estimated at approximately $60 per kilogram, it is intended to address food security in resource-limited environments. Potential applications include long-duration space missions, such as Mars expeditions, as well as use in submarines, disaster zones, and global food relief efforts. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: NASA-supported project turns recycled plastic into edible cookies NASA-supported researchers have developed a way to turn recycled PET plastic and agricultural waste into edible, 3D-printed cookies to support long-term space travel and food security. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-supported-project-turns-recycled-plastic-into-edible-cookies ### 2026-08-24: Southern Illinois University researchers create cookies from plastic waste Scientists at Southern Illinois University have engineered yeast to convert PET plastic and agricultural waste into 3D-printed, protein-rich cookies called µBites for potential use in space missions and crisis' 34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southern-illinois-university-researchers-convert-plastic-waste-into-edible-food --- Cite as: Plastic waste upcycling for edible food production. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/plastic-waste-upcycling-for-edible-food-production