Capacity building for a sustainable plastics future

Presentation by Associate Professor Steven Pratt (The University of Queensland)

Abstract

The efforts being taken to address plastic pollution are both urgent and multi-dimensional, with expectation that biodegradable plastics play an increasingly important role; our surveys show that the public perceive biodegradable plastics as better for the environment than ‘normal plastics’ and even ‘easily recyclable plastics’. The outlook for bioplastics is obviously bright.  We are preparing for this with initiatives like ARC’s new Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites, which brings together industry and researchers from across the value chain – from resource development to product design to end-of-life management.