In his recent Royce Royal Institution lecture, “One Bin to Rule Them All,” polymer scientist Professor Mike Shaver examines the complexities of plastic waste and how a unified recycling approach could reshape sustainability.
Royce stakeholders along with members of the public enjoyed Professor Shaver’s lecture which explored the intricate connections between plastics and carbon footprint reduction, the importance of authenticity for recycled materials, and what systemic recycling solutions may look like.
The Royal Institution lectures are hosted by researchers from cutting-edge areas of science, top science writers and leading media and government professionals. Spanning a myriad of subject areas, the lectures provide a unique opportunity to engage with prominent figures in science as well as encourage the public to think deeper about how science influences our daily lives.
During the lecture, Mike introduced the work conducted by his group as part of the “One Bin to Rule Them All” initiative, which seeks to reshape our approach to plastic waste through polymer chemistry and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Plastics present a complex challenge, with their widespread use and potential value at end of life underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions. But does simply eliminating single-use plastics address the root of this issue?
By developing systemic solutions across the supply chain, his team aims to enhance sustainability outcomes, from reuse strategies to advanced recycling methods like enzymatic, chemical, and mechanical processes.
Mike also highlighted the potential—and risks—of new monomers for degradable polymers, underscoring the critical role of innovation in creating a sustainable plastic future
“It was a real privilege to be able to deliver this first lecture as part of the collaboration between Royce and the Royal Institution. Unpicking the complexity of the circular economy and our plastic world through the lens of some of our previous work and our future vision for spiral economies was an exciting experience.”
Audience members were able to engage with Mike Shaver and ask questions about their own relationships with polymers, understand more about how materials science interacts with the bodies controlling plastic processing, and discuss local-level interventions that could positively impact plastic waste challenges.
“One Bin to Rule Them All” was produced in partnership with The Henry Royce Institute and will be made available to view through the Royal Institution YouTube Channel in the coming weeks.
To learn more about Professor Mike Shaver’s research and the “One Bin to Rule Them All” project, click here.
