Lancaster University is hosting a breakfast event to discuss how the ‘David Attenborough effect’ has resulted in a plastics campaign that can not only benefit the planet, but present business opportunities too.

The event, held on Thursday 22 November from 8.30am until 11am is open to businesses, policy makers, councils, academics, researchers and anyone who has a passion to drive the initiative to reduce single-use plastics.

As well as academics who will be sharing the current trends, research and technologies available to reduce plastic use, guests will be able to hear from Centriforce, a North West organisation that has made a successful business from processing and re-processes plastics, as well as a representative from Lancaster City Council who will outline the challenges we face on our doorsteps.

Dr Andy Pickard, Manager of the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation at Lancaster University said: “Managing waste streams is one of the biggest challenges of our generation and businesses must act now if we’re to innovate for a better environment.”

Angela Moore, Programme Manager for the Low Carbon Innovation Forum – a fully funded programme run by Lancaster University Management School which is designed for SMEs who want to be more sustainable and competitive, but aren’t necessarily sure where to start. She said: “There’s an incredible demand placed on businesses to be more responsible, reduce single-use plastics and help create a more circular economy.

“If, as the IPCC predicts, the plastic industry is to account for 15% of global greenhouse emissions by 2050, the time to act is now – and the opportunity to bring innovative solutions to market is huge. If businesses scope out new opportunities that are ready for the taking, this challenge could present multiple benefits for the environment, society, and their bottom lines.”

During the event, guests will discover more about the business support available through the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation and Low Carbon Innovation Forum (part of Boost Business Lancashire) which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), designed to help ERDF eligible Lancashire SMEs address the challenges of the low carbon economy and explore how businesses can innovate for a better environment.

The event is free to attend and refreshments will be provided. It will be held in the Lancaster Environment Centre on Lancaster University’s campus in Bailrigg.

To register to attend, please visit: https://cge-the-price-of-plastics.eventbrite.co.uk