Do you consider it important to focus on the fight against plastic pollution?

Yes, it is critical. Plastic pollution not only represents a serious environmental threat, but also has a negative impact on Economics and society. The magnitude of the problem demands an urgent transformation from the linear model of production and consumption to a truly circular one.
 

How can this problem be addressed from your research area ?

From the Sustainable Improvement group , we can generate knowledge to redesign the plastics value chain. We apply methodologies such as flow analysis, sectorial interviews and simulation models to detect critical points, propose solutions, and promote partnership between core topic agents of the sector.
 

Are you participating in any project related to this issue? If not, what project would you like to implement to tackle plastic pollution?

Yes, we have an agreement with the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa in which we are investigating how industrial symbiosis can facilitate the transition of the plastics sector towards a circular Economics . The project combines field research , data analysis and scenario simulation to propose concrete measures, such as the creation of waste hubs to exchange materials and reduce the use of virgin raw subject .

* Marta Ormazábal is a professor at Tecnun. School of Engineering. Learn more about her research.