Newport & Cardiff Materials Society (NCMS)

The plastics problem: addressing the past and focussing on the future for a circular solution
Dr Ben Ward, Reader in Organic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Cardiff University.
Tuesday 28th April, 2026 at 18:00
Room T2.09, Trevithick Building, Cardiff University, 5 The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA
If you would like to join Ben Ward's lecture online, please register using this link
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/77f1c750-46da-4c2f-96aa-9e5beb8b8e15@bdb74b30-9568-4856-bdbf-06759778fcbc

Please note that it is necessary to pay for parking, instructions are displayed on signs in the car park.

Abstract: Polymers and plastics are everywhere and have become an indispensable part of modern life. Whilst polymeric materials confer significant benefits to society and the modern way of life, plastic pollution has become a global problem. The question is put simply: how do we prevent plastic pollution without losing the benefits that plastics offer? In this seminar, an assessment of the problems underlying efficient plastic recycling will be presented, as well as ways that new technologies and materials are trying to provide a circular plastics economy for the future that does not repeat the mistakes of the past. The challenges associated with redesigning plastics which are sustainable by design will be presented.

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