Save the date: INPLASTICS webinar series - Understanding the circular economy for chemicals in plastics

Have you heard about toxic chemical additives in plastics? Join us on this webinar series for a deep dive into two popular industries: Textiles and Bioplastics 

The reuse and recycling of plastics following circular economy principles have been promoted to address marine plastic pollution, however only a small percentage of plastic waste can be effectively recycled in a ‘closed loop’ as many contain toxic chemical additives, which can pose a threat to human health and the environment. The impacts of toxic additives on the life cycle management of plastics have just recently been understood yet… they constitute the invisible part of the plastic pollution issues and therefore communication on this issue is more challenging.   

To solve this issue, we are running two online sessions under the INPLASTICS project to learn more about the intricacies of this issue, engaging policymakers for them to be able to design and enact better regulations, consumers for them to make informed decisions when purchasing plastic items, and businesses for them to increase transparency and operate to reduce the use of toxic constituents in plastics and switch to safer alternatives. 

• SERIES 1. Join us on the 5th of May (9 am GMT+2) 

Understanding the circular economy for chemicals in plastics - TEXTILES  

Synthetic fibre textiles such as polyester are also plastics, they are used in a multitude of applications, not just clothing. Here we discuss which hazardous chemicals can be found in used textiles? Are these chemicals hampering material recycling? Textiles are known for low recycling rates and although more and more brands are taking responsibility to phase out hazardous substances for the sake of chemical safety and to boost recycling rates.  

But most importantly: How can WE be an active part of the solution?  Whether you are an average consumer, a manufacturer, entrepreneur, or policymaker - Join us to learn key insights and share your perspective! 

Register HERE

• SERIES 2. Join us on the 13th of May (9 am GMT+2) 

Understanding the circular economy for chemicals in plastics - BIOPLASTICS 

Single use plastic packaging is being banned across the world and manufacturers and consumers are turning to alternative materials such bioplastics and plant-based materials. But... Are bioplastics and plant-based materials safer than conventional plastics? How much do we know about the chemicals they contain and the safety of these compounds? Can bioplastics play a meaningful role in improving the sustainability of the chemicals industry?  

But most importantly: How can WE be an active part of the solution?  Whether you are an average consumer, a manufacturer, entrepreneur, or policymaker - Join us to learn key insights and share your perspective! 

Register HERE

About INPLASTICS

Toxic additives constitute the invisible part of the plastic pollution issues and therefore communication on this issue is more challenging. At SCP/RAC we identified a need for improved access to information and awareness on safe alternatives to toxic chemicals through innovative communications models.  The centre has envisaged a set of educational and communications tools on plastic’s toxic additives that will lay out the intricacies of this issue in a clear manner and the ways in which different target groups can be an active part of the solution. 

In addition to the 2 webinars, the project will deliver a 2 ECTS module within the Erasmus+ MehMed programme to provide young professionals and students engaged in higher education in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, up-to-date information on toxic additives in plastics, the associated environmental and health risks, and key recommendations to guide them towards the realisation of a truly circular plastic economy when moving forward with their professional life.  

This project is being implemented in the framework of the “Small Grants Programme” funded by the BRS-NORAD-2 project aiming to assist partner countries of the Basel Convention to improve their management of plastic waste and ultimately contribute to Sustainable Development Goal target 14.1.