Embracing a future living with plastics

We have been bombarded with news of how bad plastics are for us and the environment and we cannot dispute the fact that there is something wrong with the picture. However, it would be difficult to imagine a world without plastics. We rely on plastics in just about every part of daily life, and it has made life better too! Many people find themselves confused by constant talk about the circular economy and the bioeconomy and their role in these. In this talk, Johan will explore what the future of living with plastics may look like, and why we need to set realistic expectations – because whether we like it or not, plastics are here to stay.

Bio

Professor Johan Verbeek is a chemical engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in polymer engineering. He has led the development of several bio-based plastic materials in an effort to reduce our reliance on petrochemicals. He is now leading a multi-million-dollar MBIE-funded project aiming to reduce the amount of plastic material that goes to landfill, in collaboration with other Crown research institutes and universities in New Zealand and Australia.

Event

8:00pm @Oakroom, 17 Drake Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

Also speaking at this location at 6:30pm is Steve Matthewman