What is the challenge?
Plastic is everywhere and has become a vital part of normal life. It is mouldable, durable and cheap. However, almost a century of use has affected both the environment and the climate. Earth is flooded with plastics, ones that are visible or broken into microscopic particles in the environment. Also, in most cases the raw material is fossil-based, which contributes to climate change. The world needs plastics that do not have a negative impact on the environment or on the climate.
How can this programme help find a solution?
The aim of STEPS – Sustainable Plastics and Transition Pathways – is to develop plastics that are biobased and which are produced sustainably in a circular economy. This involves exploring processes with a low environmental impact, using raw materials such as sugar beet and cellulose to replace fossil components, as well as polymer design; developing the quality of polymers so they are easy to recycle.
There is a significant focus on creating a coherent chain – from biobased plastics that are easy to recycle, to a well-functioning system for recycling and circular business models – with a clear plan for reducing plastic use in everyday life.
In phase two, which is being conducted 2020–2024, Mistra STEPS will work even more with case studies based on its industry partners’ needs and interests. The aim is, together with the companies, to develop new knowledge reviews and biobased, sustainable demo products that will eventually replace some of the fossil-based products now being used by the companies. The case studies are co-led by the industry partners and researchers, to create participation and commitment within the programme, and to inspire other companies to work more strategically with the transition to using plastics more sustainably.
An important element of Mistra STEPS is to produce research that can influence regulations at regional, national and international levels, and thus contribute to creating a more sustainable plastics system. Dialogue and communication are vital for outreach to politicians and other decisionmakers, as well as to consumers.
Who will benefit from the results?
The programme produces results that are important for decisionmakers in business, politics, public authorities and organisations. Businesses who participate get a head start on knowledge in the field of plastics production and thus gain a long-term competitive advantage.
Additionally, new markets can be created for currently underutilised by-products from agriculture and forestry. Finally, society benefits overall from reducing the climate impact of plastics production and fewer plastics in the environment.
“STEPS has bold objectives. Its opportunities for success build upon fruitful cooperation between business and many academic disciplines. Two universities, two research institutes, 21 companies and Region Skåne are participating in the programme. This demonstrates the amazing interest in the issues and opportunities; entire value chains are involved.”
Britt Marie Bertilsson, Chair of STEPS
The importance of research for a green recovery and sustainable transformation – Interviews with Mistra Programme Directors spring 2020.
Rajni Hatti-Kaul, Programme Director Mistra STEPS
