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Environment and Plastics Research Network

Seal trapped in plastic bag in the ocean
Seal trapped in a plastic bag

Understanding and tackling the impacts of plastic pollution through interdisciplinary research.

Problem

Plastic pollution has become a significant global problem with far-reaching consequences that threaten our planet's health and well-being. Each year, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally, and up to 91% of this plastic waste is not recycled, instead, it ends up in our oceans, landfills, and even in our food and water systems.

As plastic production continues to increase, so does the severity of its environmental impact posing a threat to both wildlife and human health. The difficulty in recycling plastic exacerbates this issue, as well as the release of harmful chemicals during their degradation into the surrounding environment.  Therefore, plastics present an urgent global challenge where science-led interventions, sustainable policies, and changes in our production, consumption and disposal of plastics are crucial.

Aims

Our research network was established with the goal of uniting experts from various academic disciplines across the university, including the School of Chemistry, School of Engineering, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Biosciences, School of Psychology, and the Business School. By sharing knowledge and resources, we aim to produce cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that addresses the complexity of plastic and its environmental impacts and provides solutions to solve this global problem.

We aim to build on the university’s track record of internationally-leading research on plastics to foster partnerships and build collaborations with communities and stakeholders impacted by plastics. By working closely with these groups, we seek to develop solutions that are effective, equitable and sustainable.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our research, team members, and current projects. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or ideas for collaboration. Together, we can work towards a healthier, more sustainable future.

Themes

Holistic approach flow chart: Creating alternative plastics and degradation of legacy plastic, Materials tests, Degradation processes, Water treatment, Freshwater ecosystems, Societal impact and behaviour, Resource recovery - circular economy
Holistic Approach / Dull Cyfannol

Research

Recent examples of our research:

Academic Staff

Board

Dr Rhoda Ballinger

Dr Rhoda Ballinger

Reader

Email
ballingerrc@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 6671
Professor Isabelle Durance

Professor Isabelle Durance

Professor and Director of the Water Research Institute

Email
durance@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)7800 774491 / +44 (0)29 2087 4484
Dr Michael Harbottle

Dr Michael Harbottle

Director of Recruitment and Admissions

Email
harbottlem@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5759
Dr Nicole Koenig-Lewis

Dr Nicole Koenig-Lewis

Reader in Marketing

Email
koenig-lewisn@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (29) 2087 0967
Professor Max Munday

Professor Max Munday

Director of Welsh Economy Research Unit

Email
mundaymc@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5089
Professor Steve Ormerod

Professor Steve Ormerod

Professor

Email
ormerod@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5871
Professor Wouter Poortinga

Professor Wouter Poortinga

Professor

Email
poortingaw@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 4755
Dr Ben Ward

Dr Ben Ward

Senior Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry

Email
wardbd@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 0302

Network Champions

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Tom Allison

Research student

Email
allisont2@cardiff.ac.uk
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Gemma Muller

Research student

Email
mullergf@cardiff.ac.uk

Events

Past Events

Plastics For Future Generations: Panel Discussion & Research Talks

14th June 2023

In this networking conference, we invited stakeholders and Cardiff University researchers to discuss challenges and opportunities related to plastics. The discussions revolved around the themes of environmental pollution, consumer behavior, waste management, circular economy, and production.

To hear about the research talks and panel discussions, we invite you to watch our conference video recording.

Plastics For Future Generations Conference Programme

Plastics For Future Generations Conference Programme