UKCPN is an Innovate UK KTN and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) supported activity that exists to engage innovators, scientists and changemakers to move towards a more circular economy for plastics. We value polymers that support a net zero future.
Smart Sustainable Plastics Packaging (SSPP)
The SSPP challenge is working to make plastic packaging fit for a sustainable future. As a £60 million five-year programme, it is the largest and most ambitious UK government investment to date in sustainable plastics research and innovation.
The challenge is underpinned by the delivery of the 2025 UK Plastics Pact targets. SSPP’s ambition is to establish the UK as a leading innovator in smart and sustainable plastic packaging for consumer products. UKCPN is the lead collaboration building partner for the SSPP challenge.
Commonwealth Marine Plastics Research & Innovation Framework Report
This framework report aims to help find and implement solutions to stop plastic waste entering the ocean by sharing best practices, leveraging funding and championing global action in marine plastic pollution.
Global Plastics Treaty
The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) and governments have agreed to develop an ambitious new agreement, with specific legally-binding provisions and obligations to prevent and remediate plastic pollution. This process will ensure stakeholder participation and meaningful implementation at all levels. Innovate UK KTN/UKCPN are supporting DEFRA and Ocean Plastics Leadership Network (OPLN) in this activity. Speak with us to discuss this further
UKCPN latest
Our focus areas
Much of the focus of current activity on making plastics sustainable is on short-lived single use packaging, at UKCPN we are also involved with supporting those other sectors utilising significant polymer volumes through our focus areas. These can be accessed here.
“The challenge of companies redesigning their systems, to enable greater reuse, is a formidable one. It comes with risks attached. But with the support of the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging challenge, we’ve been able to take away some of those risks for companies that want to reuse more.”
