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

WHY PORTSMOUTH

OUR RESEARCH

22

Postgraduate at Portsmouth

We ’ ve got to build a world that ’ s more sustainable . A globe spanning 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 , and develop new , sustainable materials . Also we ’ re furthering 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 . Researchers 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 hours – a process that could otherwise take 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 reuse and recycling , and with the fashion industry to reduce its reliance on plastics . PhD and MRes students from Portsmouth are playing active roles .

Our new Global Plastics Policy Centre is generating objective advice for more effective plastics policymaking around the world . For example , we are working with

the UN Environment Programme and G20 group of nations to identify policy options to reach net zero plastics entering the ocean by 2050 .

In the city of Portsmouth , we ’ ve run what are believed to be the world ’ s first city-wide plastic waste surveys , using a citizen science approach . With funding from The Flotilla Foundation and in partnership with Jetsam Tech , we asked members of the public to collect photographs of plastic pollution , using the Jetsam app . Working with institutions that have plastic waste and pollution responsibilities , including authorities and local businesses , we ’ ll now use the survey findings to help reduce pollution and boost responsible plastic waste management .

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

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