We ’ ve got to build a world that ’ s more sustainable . A globespanning plastics economy based on circular principles . Before it ’ s too late .

A revolution has started at the University of Portsmouth . We call it Revolution Plastics . Through research , innovation and global partnerships , we will change the way the world makes , uses and disposes of plastics .

Our researchers are working hard to make real change happen . We ’ re working to transform the potential of plastic recycling and reuse . Reduce waste through packaging innovation . Develop new , sustainable materials . Further the world ’ s understanding of how microplastics affect our seas , economy and the air we breathe . And examine the effects of exposure to plastics on human health .

One of our best-known initiatives is to engineer enzymes in the fight against plastic pollution . Professor John McGeehan and colleagues at the University ’ s Centre for Enzyme Innovation set to work on a naturally occurring enzyme discovered in a Japanese waste site . This enzyme had evolved to ‘ eat ’ plastic ; breaking it down into its component parts in days – a process that otherwise takes hundreds of years . Exploring ways to accelerate this process in the lab , our team developed an enzyme cocktail that can digest common plastics six times faster . Now they ’ re working with partners to scale up the solution for recycling at an industrial level .

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach . We ’ re working with the food industry to develop more sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging , with cities in Europe , Africa and Asia to support enhanced plastic recycling capability , and with

the fashion industry to reduce its reliance on plastics .

Our new plastics policy analysis hub will build on work we ’ re doing to generate objective advice for more effective plastics policymaking . For example , we are working with the G20 group of nations to identify policy options to reach net zero plastics entering the ocean by 2050 .

In the city of Portsmouth , we ’ re running what is believed to be the world ’ s first city-wide plastic waste survey , using a citizen science approach . With funding from The Flotilla Foundation and in partnership with Jetsam Tech , we ’ re asking members of the public to collect visual and location information about plastic pollution they see , using the Jetsam app . Working with institutions that have plastic waste and pollution responsibilities , we ’ ll use the survey findings to help reduce pollution and boost responsible waste processing .

‘ We are dedicated to making our science matter and contribute to tackling some of the world ’ s most pressing problems . Only together can we take the action that will create a healthier world .’

Steve Fletcher , Professor of Ocean Policy and Economy and Director of Revolution Plastics

Find out more at port . ac . uk / revolution-plastics