Skip to main content

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

Our planet faces a plastic pollution crisis. Each year, we produce over 300 million tons of plastic, yet a concerning 91% never gets recycled. This waste not only invades our oceans and landfills but also our food and water. With plastic production rising, and the hazards they pose deepening, a transformative approach to how we handle plastics is essential.

Our Mission

The 'Environment and Plastics' research network brings together a consortium of Cardiff University experts from diverse academic disciplines, including the School of Chemistry, School of Engineering, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Biosciences, School of Psychology, School of Geography and Planning, and the Business School. Our unified vision is to generate breakthrough interdisciplinary research that comprehensively understands and addresses the complex challenges posed by plastics.

Our Objectives

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Utilising the combined expertise of various academic disciplines to generate innovative solutions.
  • Partnership Engagement: Extending our reach to foster partnerships with communities and stakeholders directly affected by plastic pollution.
  • Sustainable Solutions: By collaborating closely with impacted groups, our goal is to devise solutions that are not just effective, but also equitable and long-lasting.

Explore our website to learn about our pioneering research, our dedicated team, and our ongoing initiatives. We are always open to collaboration and welcome any queries or suggestions. Together we can pave the way for a brighter, sustainable future.

Themes

Picture of plastic forks and wood forks

Material Innovation and Degradation

Creating alternative plastics and investigating degradation processes

Water treatment plant

Water and Ecosystem Health

Different water treatments and freshwater ecosystems.

Collecting plastic waste on a beach

Societal Impact and Sustainable Practices

Examining the crucial link between society and plastic consumption

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
Professor Nicole Koenig-Lewis

Professor Nicole Koenig-Lewis

Professor of 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

alt

Tom Allison

Research student

Email
allisont2@cardiff.ac.uk
alt

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