Plastic pollution is becoming an increasingly serious problem for the environment and public health worldwide. In Europe, around 30 million tones of plastic waste are produced annually, with less than a third being recycled, and even the recycling process itself has its weaknesses (e.g., mechanical recycling degrades the material’s properties). Additionally, over 98% of plastic is produced from non-renewable sources. These challenges have prompted researchers, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to seek sustainable solutions that go beyond conventional recycling.
Тhe project board meeting on the upPE-T project was held
From 16th to 17th October, representatives from 20 partner organisations, including universities, research centres, companies, and public sector organisations from 10 European countries (Spain, Germany, Serbia, Austria, Finland, Italy, Greece, Estonia, Turkey, and Croatia), gathered in Athens for the Project Steering Committee meeting and hybrid scientific conference to discuss the future of plastic waste and sustainable upcycling.
Photo: Institute for Development and Innovation