We research how plastic systems can be more sustainable, and how to include the impacts of plastics use in environmental assessments. We do this to reduce dependence on fossil resources, and to develop more sustainable and circular value chains.
It is impossible to think of a product value chain that does not involve some plastic use, whether it is in the tyres that transport goods to their destination, packaging, or part of the product itself. Plastic materials are omnipresent in our society, and since 1950, their use has grown dramatically as a result of the material’s properties (it is for example easy to form, transparent and relatively cheap, has a low weight and provides good protection).
NORSUS’ sustainability research on the theme of plastics has a value chain focus. We create the knowledge needed to understand the important function the right packaging can play in reducing food waste, or the sustainability aspects associated with managing plastic waste from households or industrial sources.
We believe that impacts associated with plastic escaping its intended value chain and ending up as litter in our environment must be included in any comprehensive assessment of the impacts of value chains involving plastics. Our researchers are at the forefront of including these impacts in our sustainability work nationally and internationally.
NORSUS’ research into value chains is largely based on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, which enables us to see the impacts and benefits of plastics and alternative materials throughout their whole life cycle (from extraction of the raw materials from the earth, production, use, maintenance and waste resource management).
This approach means that we can also assess alternatives to plastic in a holistic, function-focused approach that enables us to account for other levels of efficiency, or other environmental problems in their value chain.
The knowledge we create is important to increase awareness of circular economy principles and how they can be implemented in different industries and value chains. We also provide important contributions to material selection and waste management decisions. NORSUS collaborates with industry and the public sector to promote sustainable solutions that benefit the environment and the economy.
SirkulærPlast: Where we looked at the barriers for industry to use recycled plastics as raw materials in new products. Companies in Norway learnt a lot about what they could source and use and how this could be supported by lab-based quality testing to produce good quality new products, reducing the need for new plastic.
PacKnoPlast: PacKnoPlast: Where we collaborated with NIVA and NIBIO to measure and assess the risk of microplastic emissions from recycling of plastics and food waste (containing plastic packaging).
DSolve: Where we are examining the benefits and burdens associated with biodegradable plastics developed as a response to the ghost fishing challenges associated with lost fishing gear. This SFI-project has also meant that we can participate in internationally relevant competence building in the inclusion of ghost fishing effects and plastic littering effects in life cycle impact assessment.
