Scientists engineered a bacterium (Mannheimia succiniciproducens) to produce succinic acid more efficiently, a key ingredient in biodegradable plastics. The purified acid was then converted into poly(butylene succinate) using mild chemical and enzymatic processes, avoiding toxic catalysts and high temperatures. The resulting plastic completely biodegrades in the environment within weeks using naturally occurring bacteria, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.