About us
The Birmingham Plastics Network (BPN) developed from a powerful core principal: addressing one of the most complex environmental challenges of our time requires the full breadth of expertise that a University like Birmingham can offer. Chemistry alone cannot solve the plastics problem, nor can engineering, medicine, economics, or social science in isolation. But together, they form a powerful engine for discovery and innovation. Yet beyond the innovative interdisciplinary research undertaken by its membership, the strength of the network also lies in convening partners from policy, government, industry and civil society to realise meaningful impact.
History
Birmingham has a rich history with plastics, dating back to the mid-19th century. The city’s journey with plastics began with Alexander Parkes, a Birmingham-born artisan and chemist, who invented Parkesine, broadly considered to be the first man-made plastic, in 1862.
Since its invention, Birmingham’s contributions to the plastics industry have been significant, including its role in the production of Bakelite in Tyseley, and the development of a broad range of innovations. At the Birmingham Plastics Network, we believe that Birmingham now possesses a civic responsibility to present the innovations and solutions required to create a more sustainable plastics future.
Andrew Drove showcasing the Policy Commission report at the House of Commons
Challenge
Since plastic became widely commercialised in the mid-20th century, the world has produced over 10 billion tonnes and thrown away almost 8 billion tonnes. Of the plastic in the UK, 37% has been sent for recycling, 44% incinerated for energy recovery, and 19% has gone to landfill.
While over the last 50 years plastic’s high performance, low cost, lightweight nature and durability has solved many problems but, in doing so, it has contributed to many serious environmental crises. To date, we have only scratched the surface in our understanding of the scale of the potential impacts and dangers of plastic particles within our environment.
Despite being essential components of our lives, we face growing pressures to create a plastic-free world, but this may not be realistic.