UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution

Think ocean plastics. Think Plymouth.

Nowhere in the world has had such a sizeable impact, and enduring influence, on research into the global issue of plastic pollution. Our expertise is consistently sought by the world’s leaders and key thinkers, and directly informed the Treaty on Plastic Pollution signed by 175 countries attending the United Nations Environmental Assembly in March 2022.

Scientists from Plymouth published the very first ground-breaking study into marine microplastics in 2004, laying the foundations for the international awareness of the issue we see today. In the almost two decades since, we have continued to drive the global plastics agenda, producing a stream of internationally recognised, award-winning and highly-cited research.

Our critical work in this field has demonstrated that plastic pollution can be found everywhere on the planet, from the deepest ocean to the highest peak. It has provided evidence of the impact plastics are having on marine species and ecosystems.

It has also helped to highlight issues such as the use of microbeads in cosmetics, with that research providing the first evidence of the scale of the problem. It was subsequently cited by various governments in legislation banning the practice.

Recent advances have also included the introduction of novel techniques to monitor and tackle marine plastics, including nature-based solutions (e.g. mussel filtration) and even the use of satellite technology to track marine plastics from space.

However, what makes our research truly unique is it is not restricted to marine and environmental science.

Our experts have long advocated a whole-systems approach to addressing plastic pollution that involves all areas of science and society to bring about a complete change in our plastics culture. By combining environmental and social science with psychology, the arts, policy and industry, our work is ensuring that public knowledge of the issue, the solutions being developed and the need for behavioural change, is front and centre of people’s minds.