Policy impact
How the discovery of microplastics has influenced policy worldwide
The International Marine Litter Research Unit (IMLRU) first published a paper on microplastics in 2004. For almost two decades, the unit's research on the environmental impact of plastics in the ocean has taken the discoveries from the deepest oceans to the highest mountain peaks.
The team are now focussed on driving a solutions-based approach to marine litter, starting with the design stage of plastics. Their work continues to influence both national and international policy, most recently with terrestrial borne litter in the marine environment. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), October 2021.
Leading UK marine scientists welcome the move towards a global plastics pact
It is essential that we change our ways and use plastics far more responsibly than we have in the past; that is the only way to realise the potential environmental benefits that plastic can bring without the rapidly accelerating levels of harm that we currently see.
Research recognition
Publications to inform policy
Volvo Environment Prize 2022 awarded for world-leading microplastics research
For two decades Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS , Professor Tamara Galloway OBE (University of Exeter) and Professor Penelope Lindeque (Plymouth Marine Laboratory) have worked to discover the global extent of microplastics in our oceans and their impact on the environment and our food chains. They have also looked into potential solutions to this international problem.
Their continued collaboration and research has helped to bring about changes in global policy, influencing the United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution, signed by 175 nations earlier in the year.
- @ 3 national bans on microplastics based on our evidence
- @Influenced discussions and decision making on the UN Plastics Treaty 2022
- @Provided evidence for the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation 2017
- @Informed the European Parliament's Single-Use Plastics Directive 2016
- @Raised awareness, through the WI's 'End Plastic Soup' campaign, that microplastic fibres are produced during the clothes washing cycle
Research Excellence Framework 2021
The University of Plymouth achieved excellent results in the REF 2021 submissions. The ground-breaking work of the International Marine Litter Research Unit (IMLRU) has become the epitome of impact-led, socially engaged research. The team has been pioneering in their work to identify the issue of microplastics and marine litter, reveal its true global scale, and influence policy in key areas to tackle it.
International Marine Litter Research news
- University scientist works on report highlighting plastic’s threat to human and planetary health 22 March 2023
- Scientists call for global push to eliminate space debris 9 March 2023
- Bottle with a message 20 December 2022
- Study demonstrates how microplastic particles differ across the Atlantic Ocean 22 November 2022
- Volvo Environment Prize 2022 awarded for world-leading microplastics research 24 October 2022
