PLASTICENE will develop new knowledge and research capacity towards addressing sustainable plastic use in Norway. Plastic waste and emissions of plastic to nature represents a major societal challenges and increased
knowledge of the plastic resource flow is essential for developing tools for increased resource utilisation, circularity and regulatory support of plastic use. PLASTICENE will study plastic material flow and composition in Norway and thereby contribute to the knowledge needed for e.g. designing circular plastic business models and finding the most effective pathways for policy for mitigation of plastic pollution. The project will have the multidisciplinary approach needed to properly address materials flow analysis and characterization, circular business model development, implementation of policy strategies and stakeholder interaction. To ensure the achievement of the expected impact of PLASTICENE, the project will establish close connections to stakeholders throughout the plastic value chain in Norway.
World plastic production has increased from 2.1 million tonnes in 1950 to 147 million tonnes in 1993 and to 406 million tonnes by 2015. Some estimates say that around a third of all plastic waste is leaked into the environment, so reaching the European recycling rates could also prevent 68 000 tonnes of Norwegian plastic ending up as marine pollution annually. In addition, reducing waste and effective waste management will be essential for the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
PLASTICENE will advance knowledge and methodology for plastic materials flow analysis and characterization at all partners. This
increased research capacity will be a future resource for stakeholders along the plastic value chain. The new knowledge and project
outputs will also contribute to realization of the UN SDG's, particularly SDG11 and 12 dealing with improved processes for circularity and
other forms for improved business models aimed at increased sustainability through increased resource utilization. The most important
expected impact of PLASTICENE is to significantly reduce the challenges arising from linear use and spread of plastics in the
environment. We will ensure the fulfilment of this impact by bringing stakeholder interaction into all parts of the project. We also aim to
publish results from the project in regular media as well as in high ranking international journals with open access.