Plastic materials have been known for over 400 years but it was in 1900 that the first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was produced. In 2015 the UK plastics industry employed 170000 people, produced 1.7 billion tonnes of material with a turnover of £23.5 billion. The number of products made from plastic is increasing continually. Food packaging, automotive parts, smartphones and more recently banknotes are now made from plastic. Conducting polymers are being developed to make flexible electronics.
But how are these items made and what happens when they are no longer wanted?
This evening will give an insight into the manufacturing of some plastics and methods being used to recycle products at the end of their life. The impact of poor control over the use of plastics will be discussed by our co-sponsor the National Oceanography Centre
Drinks and a buffet will be provided during the evening, providing an ideal chance for networking.
But how are these items made and what happens when they are no longer wanted?
This evening will give an insight into the manufacturing of some plastics and methods being used to recycle products at the end of their life. The impact of poor control over the use of plastics will be discussed by our co-sponsor the National Oceanography Centre
Drinks and a buffet will be provided during the evening, providing an ideal chance for networking.