MPs, leading academics, businesses, and NGOs convened at the Houses of Parliament this week to discuss the UK's leadership role in tackling global plastic pollution, and to explore how research and innovation can accelerate solutions to one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
The reception, sponsored by Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP , Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee , and hosted by the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth, brought together more than 150 influential figures from across the plastics sector. Attendees reflected on the UK's current position in addressing both domestic and international plastic pollution, and the opportunities available to drive meaningful change.
Opening the event, Alistair Carmichael MP spoke of his personal motivation for championing plastic pollution action, citing the ongoing impact of marine plastics on the 34 island communities he represents in Orkney and Shetland.
If ever there was an issue that demanded local, national and international action - plastic pollution is it. Events like today are about having the opportunity to share experience and ideas and crucially start thinking about next steps.
Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee
"I don't think we should deny our disappointment about the lack of progress in August at the last Global Plastics Treaty talks but that is not the end of the story," he said. "If ever there was an issue that demanded local, national and international action - plastic pollution is it. Events like today are about having the opportunity to share experience and ideas and crucially start thinking about next steps.
"While there is much we can do individually, the issue of plastic pollution - like all pollution - is a global one, which requires global commitments to tackle it. That is why leadership from our government, driven by Parliament and by supportive organisations, is so vital."
Professor Steve Fletcher , Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute, emphasised the importance of collaboration across sectors to address the plastics crisis.
The opportunity is there for the UK to leverage world-leading research and innovation to tackle the negative effects of plastic across the entire value chain, generating significant benefits for people and nature around the world.
Professor Steve Fletcher, Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute
"No actor or sector alone offers the solution to plastic pollution, which is why we have convened this meeting today," he said. "The opportunity is there for the UK to leverage world-leading research and innovation to tackle the negative effects of plastic across the entire value chain, generating significant benefits for people and nature around the world. In other words, how can we support the UK economy in transitioning to a more circular, fair and just plastics economy that does not produce the negative side effects we see at home and overseas?"
A panel discussion chaired by Professor Cressida Bowyer , Deputy Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute, explored the UK's position in the global plastics landscape. Panellists included Chris Dixon, Campaign Lead at the Environmental Investigation Agency ; Catherine Conway, Director and Reuse Lead at GoUnpackaged ; Alistair Carmichael MP; and Luis Vayas-Valdivieso, Ambassador of Ecuador to the United Kingdom and former Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution.
Catherine Conway highlighted the scale of the UK plastics sector, the country's second-largest manufacturing industry and underlined the need to decouple growth from environmental degradation and threats to human health. Chris Dixon discussed how legislation, funding, and targeted measures can galvanise the UK's efforts to cut plastic pollution, stressing the importance of enabling conditions and identifying what can be achieved without new laws. Ambassador Luis Vayas-Valdivieso reflected on the constructive partnership between the UK and Ecuador and emphasised the critical role of member states in maintaining momentum toward a high-ambition global plastics treaty.
The event, held in the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons, highlighted the potential for the UK to lead globally by harnessing research, innovation, policy, and coordinated action across society. With pressing international negotiations ahead, participants agreed that now is a pivotal moment for the country to strengthen its commitments and turn research into real-world impact.
The Revolution Plastics Institute (RPI) is a network of 120 researchers and 25 PhD students conducting research and innovation across the entire plastics life cycle.
The primary purpose of the Institute is to urgently confront the global plastics crisis through inclusive, solutions-focused research and innovation to support the transition to a sustainable plastics future. The Institute is an independent, objective evidence provider at the interface of government, businesses, citizens, and researchers.
