Abstract

ABSTRACT : Plastic waste litters the whole world, and has a devastating effect on the environment. Plastic packaging forms a big part of the problem, especially for marine ecosystems. Knee-jerk reactions are rife: is banning plastics for packaging the right answer? In this talk we examine the wider environmental consequences of using plastics for packaging, finding that the story is quite complex, and that simple solutions can do more harm than good. We will look at the role of packaging as part of the whole food production and supply system, and see that it can save huge amounts of resources if used and disposed of wisely. We do need to take action to solve the problem of existing and future plastic waste, and we will look at some new developments that could be real solutions for the future.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY : Claire Barlow is a materials engineer, specialising in mechanical properties and processing of a wide range of materials with a particular interest in environmental aspects of what happens to them at end-of life. The technical problems are only part of the picture, though: effective management of waste materials—rubbish—has human, economic and business dimensions, and working with industry has been integral to her work. She recently retired from the Engineering Department, where she was Deputy Head of Department in charge of teaching, and is Fellow Emerita at Newnham College.

COVID -19 POLICY : If you would like to attend, please ensure that you test negative for COVID -19 by lateral flow the day of the event. Please also bring a face covering with you to wear whilst not eating or drinking. In addition, we strongly recommend attendees to have completed their full course of COVID -19 vaccines prior to the event.

Please ask for directions to the Theatre at the Peterhouse Porters Lodge on Trumpington St. All are welcome.