Revolution Plastics team obtained these images for research.

Addressing the global plastics crisis

Supporting the transition to a sustainable plastics economy

Photo by James Wakibia

woman sorting plastic bottles

Upcoming conference: PlasticsFuture 2023: A forum for sustainable transformation

20-22 June 2023

PlasticsFuture 2023 is our mission-driven conference aiming to inspire new solutions to end plastic pollution. It will be an opportunity to share global research and innovation across disciplines and communities, and forge future collaborations.

Find out more

We’re on a mission to tackle the plastics crisis for our local community and the wider world. 

Committed to facing global plastics problems, Revolution Plastics is an interdisciplinary initiative drawing together colleagues from across the University of Portsmouth and assembling teams of researchers, business-leaders, campaigners and citizens who share our commitment and ambition to transform the way we make, use and dispose of the polluting material, plastic

From developing sustainable fashion, to combatting microplastics, we’re putting our research into practice, and addressing plastics pollution; generating a globally-relevant community of plastics researchers and contributing to the sustainable transition of the city of Portsmouth as a prototype and showcase for a sustainable plastics future.

We see a critical space for the University as an independent, objective evidence provider at the interface of government, businesses, citizens, and researchers.

Ready to join the revolution?

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Revolution Plastics: Join the revolution and address the global plastics crisis

Professor Steve Fletcher invites you to join the University of Portsmouth in its ambition to drive change in the plastics sector and create a sustainable future.

The University of Portsmouth is working on a transformative programme focussed on sustainability and the environment, Revolution Plastics. This is our initiative to really drive change, in particular in the plastics sector. We're working at three levels, what we call the triple transformation.

We're working to transform the university's own environment and sustainability performance to be one of the world's leading green universities. 

We're working to build a research community within the university that draws from a whole range of disciplines. This includes fashion, urban design, enzyme innovation, our marine scientists and geographers. 

And the third part of our transformation is working with city authorities and partners within the city to really drive Portsmouth's transformation to a sustainable city. 

We believe very strongly that we can't do everything and we need to work in partnership with others. We're working on projects with the G20. We're working with the UN Environment Programme, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the World Bank and a whole host of leading researchers to really drive our research programme around plastics and sustainability. 

I believe that it has the potential to be truly transformative, both for the people of Portsmouth and for the wider world.

And this is where you can help.

Your involvement and energy in helping supporters on that journey would be amazing. So we'd invite you to join the revolution and play your part. 

Featured news

Research projects

Our work is making a difference. The projects we’re working on span across all disciplines combining creativity, research and innovation to address the impact of plastic and achieve sustainability across all aspects of society, the economy and politics

the completed bright mural in front of a bright blue sky

Masibambisane

This project uses street art, theatre and song and circular economy approaches to reduce open dumping and burning of waste and to increase plastic recycling in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Microplastics on a beach in Asia

Microbial transformation of plastics in SE Asian seas: a hazard and a solution (MicroSEAP)

The MicroSEAP project seeks to understand the impact plastic pollution has on marine ecosystems in South East Asia and find solutions to the problem

Huge piles of discarded plastic in the Global South - people who look small compared to the piles are walking through it

Sustainable Transitions to End Plastic Pollution (STEPP)

Learn more about our collaborative project to help reduce plastic waste in low and middle income countries

a discarded plastic bottle by the roadside

Mapping Portsmouth’s Plastic (MAPP)

The world’s first programme of city-wide plastic pollution surveys using a citizen science-based approach

Clear plastic water bottle under a body of water

Assessing pollution in Great Britain's coastal waters with GB Row

In collaboration with GB Row, we're undertaking a detailed survey of microplastics, e-DNA and noise pollution around Great Britain’s waters

model posing in clothes designed by Scarlett Mitchell

PO1 Sustainable Fashion and Textiles

Named after the Portsmouth postcode district, this project aims to create a sustainable fashion system

plastic in portsmouth

Household Plastic use in Portsmouth

This Portsmouth based research project examines what influences people’s attitudes and behaviours towards plastic and what motivated or constrained their ability to reduce, reuse and recycle what they use

 

Flipflopi

Mitigating Plastic Pollution Through Heritage Boat Building

This project is establishing a boat building training centre to teach local boat builders and students how to design and construct recycled sailing vessels and other products combining indigenous knowledge with modern innovation

 

Interreg logo and IDIGO project logo

Innovative Fishing Gear for Oceans (INdIGO)

This project aims to reduce marine litter through the development of biodegradable fishing gear

Interreg Plasticity logo

PlastiCity

We’re a partner in a project that’s repurposing ‘lost plastics’ and developing ways to increase urban recycling rates to over 50%

Interreg logo and FLOWER Project logo

FLOWER (Flax composites, LOW weight, End of life and Recycling)

This project aims to develop natural fibre composites that are environmentally-friendly, alternatives to glass fibre composites for the automotive, marine, and advertising sectors

Addressing the plastic crisis

We use plastic in almost every area of our lives - as packaging, in electronics, clothing and building materials. Plastic is inexpensive and easy to make, it’s unmatched in its cost-effective durability and resistance to degradation. 

But the durability that makes plastic so versatile and appealing has created a global plastic crisis. Some plastics take more than 400 years to break down, and around 11 million metric tons of plastic ends up in the ocean every year. 

Half of all plastic becomes waste within a year of being made, yet most isn’t recycled. Our planet is suffocating in plastic, we need radical action to halt this trend and limit the damaging consequences of plastic pollution on our health, and on the environment. 

We’ve got to find and create solutions to the world’s plastic problem. This is where Revolution Plastics comes in.

Revolution Plastics is led by Professor Steve Fletcher and Dr Cressida Bowyer. Our mission is guided by the expertise of our Advisory Council, composed of senior executives from organisations and sectors that play a role in plastics and sustainability.

    plastic bags and other plastic waste floating in the ocean

    Revolution Plastics PhD scholarships

    We're forming a new, innovative and interdisciplinary cohort of five PhD students cluster of PhD students in Portsmouth.

    Exploring the complex problem of marine pollution from plastic packaging, students will aim to harness individual and collective discoveries to deliver actionable strategies that can be taken to confront the global plastic crisis.

    Find out more

    Our ambition

    We’re assembling teams of researchers, business-leaders, campaigners and citizens who share our ambition to transform the way we make, use and dispose of this polluting material.

    We've signed up to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. We're a member of their Network and the University of Portsmouth is profiled in their Higher Education Network of Universities. 

    Our revolution addresses  damaging environmental and health impacts arising from plastics, through:

    • Transforming the potential of plastic recycling and reuse 
    • Engineering enzymes to break down plastics faster 
    • Analysing plastics policy worldwide and advocating for binding commitments under international law
    • Developing new sustainable materials 
    • Collaborating with communities in the global south to reduce plastic pollution 
    • Furthering the world's understanding of how microplastics affect us all 

    Our multidisciplinary approach to plastics research

    Revolution Plastics spans all disciplines, finding and creating ways for society, the economy and politics to adapt in order to achieve sustainability.

    We’re already making progress. We've examined the effectiveness of global plastic policies, been at the heart of global conversations about the world’s plastic crisis, helped to shape a global agreement on plastic pollution, and looked at how food and drink suppliers develop packaging.

    We are studying how microplastics affect our oceanseconomy and the air we breathe. We are utilising arts-based participatory methods to research plastic pollution impacts and solutions'. And we’re aiming to develop a sustainable fashion and textiles social enterprise. 

    Explore a selection of our plastics research features.

    The sustainability challenge of a plastic-wrapped world

    To be used in conjunction with Solve 4 MagazineSTANDARD LICENSE; PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL ASSET FOR FULL LICENSE TERMS.
    Read more

    Policy push for plastics action is needed

    Professor Steve Fletcher
    drawing of turtle composed of plastic waste
    Read more

    Using creative methods to tackle environmental problems

    Dr Cressida Bowyer
    Children in Nairobi Kenya
    Read more

    Microplastics in our homes

    Dr Fay Couceiro
    Microplastics fibres in the air
    Read more

    The plastic-eating enzyme that could help overcome plastic pollution


    plastic pollution on a beach
    Read more

    Research centres

    Revolution Plastics builds on the momentum of our globally-acclaimed plastics research in developing a plastic-dissolving enzyme that can digest some of the most polluting plastics. Our plastics research has made national and international news, and is supported by our Centre for Enzyme Innovation, which works with industry partners to advance the circular recycling of plastics.

    In November 2021, we launched our Global Plastics Policy Centre — designed to give governments and industry groups the evidence needed to make better decisions on plastic policies. The Centre is the first of its kind and will provide a central point for information, effectiveness and barriers to plastics policy success.

    Global Plastics Policy Centre

    The Global Plastics Policy Centre is helping to find sustainable solutions to tackle plastic pollution around the world.

    Large pile of plastic waste
    Read more

    Centre for Enzyme Innovation

    At the Centre for Enzyme Innovation, we're researching solutions to some of the most pressing global environmental problems.

    petri dish from centre for enzyme research
    Explore our research

    Microplastics research group

    The University of Portsmouth is researching the impact of microplastics on human health and the environment, and finding innovative solutions to plastic pollution.

    Microplastics and synthetic fibres on a beach
    Read more

    Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Research Group

    Working to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing by developing engineering solutions that are smarter, cleaner and sustainable.

    Colourful plastic chairs at metal tables on street
    Read more

    Explore related news, blogs, podcasts and events

    News

    Plastic bottle caught in waste

    World’s first city-wide plastic survey Harnessing people power to help with plastic pollution in Portsmouth

    9 June 2023

    World’s first city-wide plastic survey Harnessing people power to help with plastic pollution in Portsmouth
    Creative arts in Tupumue

    Breathe well live well – new study shows link between air quality and children’s lung health

    7 June 2023

    Breathe well live well – new study shows link between air quality and children’s lung health
    Six female rowers

    All-female ocean rowing team embarks on 2,000 mile challenge around Great Britain

    1 June 2023

    All-female ocean rowing team embarks on 2,000 mile challenge around Great Britain
    plastic waste

    Reusable packaging revolution is close - experts say

    30 May 2023

    Reusable packaging revolution is close - experts say
    Discarded plastic bottles

    National Action Plans – will they help end plastic pollution?

    25 May 2023

    National Action Plans – will they help end plastic pollution?

    Blogs

    Life solved Logo with introduction title: How close are we to a global plastics treaty?

    INC-2: How close are we to a global plastics treaty? Featuring Professor Steve Fletcher and Antaya March

    INC-2: How close are we to a global plastics treaty? Featuring Professor Steve Fletcher and Antaya March
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    Plastic recycling is failing – here’s how the world must respond

    Plastic recycling is failing – here’s how the world must respond
    Life Solved logo with pictures and descriptive text

    Why enzymes are the latest fashion in the fight against plastic waste in our clothes

    Why enzymes are the latest fashion in the fight against plastic waste in our clothes
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    Biodegradable plastic in clothing doesn’t break down nearly as quickly as hoped – new research

    Biodegradable plastic in clothing doesn’t break down nearly as quickly as hoped – new research
    Single-use plastic in ocean - Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash

    Single-use plastic bans: research shows three ways to make them effective

    Single-use plastic bans: research shows three ways to make them effective

    Events

    Jun 20 2023

    -

    Jun 22 2023

    PlasticsFuture 2023: a forum for sustainable transformation

    10.00am - 5.00pm

    £110 (Early Bird Ticket) or £165 (General Admission)

    PlasticsFuture 2023: a forum for sustainable transformation

    Revolution Plastics leads

    Stephen Fletcher Portrait

    Professor Steve Fletcher

    Theme Professor (Environment and Sustainability)

    Steve.Fletcher@port.ac.uk

    School of the Environment, Geography, and Geosciences

    Faculty of Science and Health

    PhD Supervisor

    Read more
    Cressida Jane Bowyer Portrait

    Media ready expert

    Dr Cressida Bowyer

    Senior Research Fellow

    cressida.bowyer@port.ac.uk

    Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries

    PhD Supervisor

    Read more

    Researchers

    Fay Couceiro Portrait

    Media ready expert

    Dr Fay Couceiro

    Principal Research Fellow

    Fay.Couceiro@port.ac.uk

    School of Civil Engineering and Surveying

    Faculty of Technology

    PhD Supervisor

    Read more
    Keiron Philip Roberts Portrait

    Media ready expert

    Dr Keiron Roberts

    Senior Lecturer

    Keiron.Roberts@port.ac.uk

    School of Civil Engineering and Surveying

    Faculty of Technology

    Read more
    Joanne Preston Portrait

    Media ready expert

    Dr Joanne Preston

    Reader in Marine Ecology and Evolution

    joanne.preston@port.ac.uk

    School of Biological Sciences

    Faculty of Science and Health

    PhD Supervisor

    Read more
    Andrew Robert Pickford Portrait

    Media ready expert

    Professor Andrew Pickford

    Professor of Molecular Biophysics

    Andy.Pickford@port.ac.uk

    School of Biological Sciences

    Faculty of Science and Health

    PhD Supervisor

    Read more
    Antaya Lauren Alexandra March Portrait

    Media ready expert

    Miss Antaya March

    Senior Research Associate

    Antaya.March@port.ac.uk

    School of the Environment, Geography, and Geosciences

    Faculty of Business and Law

    Read more
    Hom Nath Dhakal Portrait

    Media ready expert

    Professor Hom Dhakal

    Professor of Mechanical Engineering

    Hom.Dhakal@port.ac.uk

    School of Mechanical and Design Engineering

    Faculty of Technology

    PhD Supervisor

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