Roundtable on Plastics

Workshop

Circularity and Plastics--A Workshop

May 13 - 14, 2025

Past

Materials

About

On May 13 - 14, 2025 the National Academies will convene a workshop to explore circularity and other approaches for the sustainable lifecycle management of plastic materials to mitigate plastic pollution. The workshop will explore circularity in plastics across three key sectors: packaging, building materials, and textiles. Exploring current circular strategies, sectoral synergies and the interconnected roles of industry, policy, and innovation we will identify actionable pathways to achieve a future state of plastics within a circular economy. The workshop will consider solutions including rethinking, redesign, reuse, remaking, and recycling, and how these strategies can be implemented to minimize plastic waste and the attendant impacts on human and environmental health.

Organizing Project

Circularity and Plastics--A Workshop

Contact

Caroline Bell

(202) 334-3353
CBBell@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Perspectives on the Plastics Lifecycle: Plastic Pollution and Fate

April 18, 2025

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EDT)

Past

Discussion

This discussion information is being collected via Slido. Slido is not affiliated in any way with, or endorsed by, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and your submission via the Slido website is subject to Slido’s privacy and terms of use.

Agenda

Download the Agenda

About

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Plastics provides a multi-sectoral forum for examining issues associated with national efforts to reduce plastic pollution. The Roundtable is currently organizing a Perspectives on the Plastics Lifecycle series as stage setting activities to gain a better understanding of the full plastic lifecycle.

Join us Friday, April 18, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM ET for the webinar, Plastic Pollution and Fate. This session will focus on the global problem of plastic pollution and its downstream effects. It will include an overview of the sources, fate, and transformation of plastic in the environment and discussions of the ecological, economic, and human health impacts of plastic pollution. The event will include presentations by Kara Lavender Law (Sea Education Association), Chelsea Rochman (University of Toronto), and Tracey Woodruff (University of California, San Francisco). The session will be moderated by Plastics Roundtable Member Imari Walker-Franklin (RTI International).

Register here.

Contact

Liana Vaccari

(202) 334-3381
LVaccari@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Perspectives on the Plastics Lifecycle: Plastic Waste Management

January 31, 2025

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (EST)

Past

Discussion

This discussion information is being collected via Slido. Slido is not affiliated in any way with, or endorsed by, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and your submission via the Slido website is subject to Slido’s privacy and terms of use.

Agenda

Download the Agenda

About

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Plastics provides a multi-sectoral forum for examining issues associated with national efforts to reduce plastic pollution. The Roundtable is currently organizing a Perspectives on Plastic Lifecycle series as stage setting activities to gain a better understanding of the full plastic lifecycle.

Join us Friday, January 31, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM ET for the webinar, Plastic Waste Management. This session will focus on the current state of plastic waste management in the U.S. It will include an overview of waste management strategies, technical and practical realities that affect waste management outcomes, use of lifecycle assessments to evaluate the environmental impacts of alternatives, and the policy and regulatory framework that affect current plastic waste management strategies. The event will include presentations by Timothy Townsend (University of Florida), Scott Trenor (Association of Plastic Recyclers), Taylor Uekert (NREL), and Kristyn Oldendorf (Solid Waste Association of North America). The session will be moderated by Roundtable Member Jennifer Lynch (NIST).

The webinar is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. Please register in advance to receive information on how to attend the webinar.

Register here.

Contact

Liana Vaccari

(202) 334-3381
LVaccari@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Perspectives on the Plastics Lifecycle: Plastics Use and Demand

December 10, 2024

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EST)

Past

Discussion

This discussion information is being collected via Slido. Slido is not affiliated in any way with, or endorsed by, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and your submission via the Slido website is subject to Slido’s privacy and terms of use.

Materials

About

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Plastics provides a multi-sectoral forum for examining issues associated with national efforts to reduce plastic pollution. The Roundtable is currently organizing a Perspectives on Plastic Lifecycle series as stage setting activities to gain a better understanding of the full plastic lifecycle.

Join us on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET for the webinar, Plastics Use and Demand. This session features leading experts who will delve into the crucial issues in plastic markets, the demand for recycled content, and the environmental and health impacts of plastic while in use. The event will include three introductory presentations by Crystal Bayliss on the various uses of plastics, examining where they are essential, and exploring opportunities for reuse; Kate Bailey on policies to incentivize recycling and the general availability of recycled content and their current and future markets; and Dr. Leonardo Trasande on the health effects of plastics while in use, particularly focused on endocrine disrupting substances and potential hazardous chemical concerns associated with plastic (and recycled plastic) products. It will culminate in a dynamic panel discussion to explore these issues in depth.

The webinar is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. It will be broadcast live on the event webpage.

Contact

Liana Vaccari

(202) 334-3381
LVaccari@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Perspectives on the Plastics Lifecycle: Plastic Production and Design

October 17, 2024

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EDT)

Past

Discussion

This discussion information is being collected via Slido. Slido is not affiliated in any way with, or endorsed by, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and your submission via the Slido website is subject to Slido’s privacy and terms of use.

Materials

Holli Alexander-Presentation

About

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Plastics provides a multi-sectoral forum for examining issues associated with national efforts to reduce plastic pollution. The Roundtable is currently organizing a Plastics 101 Webinar Series as stage setting activities to gain a better understanding of the full plastic lifecycle.

Join us on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM EDTfor the second webinar in our Plastics 101 series, Plastic Design and Production. The webinar will focus on the state of knowledge on plastic design and plastic production, health and environmental impacts on communities, and the current policy landscape around plastic design and production. Participants will include Katrina Knauer (National Renewable Energy Laboratory), Holli Alexander (Eastman Chemical Company), Joy Banner and Jo Banner (The Descendants Project), and Michelle Nowlin (Duke University School of Law). The session will be moderated by Roundtable member Hilda Buss (Exponent, Inc.).

Contact

Liana Vaccari

(202) 334-3381
LVaccari@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Meeting

Roundtable on Plastics: Meeting 3

September 25 - 26, 2024

Past

About

The Roundtable on Plastics will hold a closed 1.5-day meeting on September 25-26, 2024.

Contact

Safah Wyne

(202) 334-3415
SWyne@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Perspectives on the Plastics Lifecycle: What are Plastics?

September 12, 2024

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)

Past

Materials

About

Join us on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET for the webinar, What are Plastics? This session features leading experts Rebecca Altman (Writer and Sociologist) and Tim Long (Arizona State University), who will delve into the history, current state, and future of plastics. Rebecca Altman will explore the drivers behind plastics use and development, as well as the evolution and rate of growth of plastics. Tim Long will provide insights into the science of plastics, including their types, properties, and implications for their fate. The event will culminate in a dynamic panel discussion moderated by LaShanda Korley (University of Delaware), featuring Jill Martin (Dow) along with the two other speakers.

Recording of the webinar will be available soon.

Contact

Safah Wyne

(202) 334-3415
SWyne@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Environmental Health Matters Initiative: Introduction to Microplastics and Health Implications: Where are we and where are we going?

August 28, 2024

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (EDT)

Past

Materials

About

Thank you for joining us for an interactive discussion on human exposure to and related health effects of microplastics in the environment

This event was organized by the Environmental Health Matters Initiative in collaboration with the Roundtable on Plastics.

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic less than five millimeters long and have a variety of sources, including from the breakdown of larger plastic products, personal care products, and industrial processes. They are persistent in the environment and contribute to soil, land, and water pollution. Recent studies have detected microplastics in many human tissues and have been linked to systemic health effects such as inflammation and other health issues, but how dangerous they are still lacks evidence-based answers. This webinar is intended to provide a baseline of information on microplastics, the concerns, how complex this issue is, and our starting point for assessing human health risks.

A moderated discussion between Margaret Spring (Monterey Bay Aquarium) and Robert Ellis-Hutchings (The Dow Chemical Company) covered what we know about microplastics and their health implications. This conversation was followed by a multisectoral panel discussion with Susanne Brander (Oregon State University) Imari Walker-Franklin (RTI International), Anil Patri (FDA), and Scott Coffin (CA OEHHA). This conversation brought to bear what has been tried worldwide, successfully or not, the lessons to draw upon, and the path forward to bridging research gaps in science and data to inform hazard, exposure, and health risks from microplastics.

The conversation was recorded and is available below. Please also see our program news covering significant takeaways from this webinar.

The Environmental Health Matters Initiative is a forum that aims to equitably improve the health of all people through evidence-based solutions to environmental health issues. The Roundtable on Plastics explores and advances systemic solutions and interventions across each stage of the life cycle to catalyze the development of innovative solutions to the plastic pollution and waste problem.

Contact

Christl Saunders

ehmi@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Meeting Closed

Roundtable on Plastics: Meeting 2

July 9 - 10, 2024

Past

About

The Roundtable on Plastics will hold a closed 1 three hour virtual meeting on July 09 and 10, 2024.

Contact

Liana Vaccari

(202) 334-3381
LVaccari@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Closed

Roundtable on Plastics: Meeting 1

March 28 - 29, 2024

Past

About

The Roundtable on Plastics will hold a closed 2-day meeting on March 28-29, 2024.

Contact

Liana Vaccari

(202) 334-3381
LVaccari@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

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Roundtable on Plastics

Circularity and Plastics--A Workshop

Perspectives on the Plastics Lifecycle: Plastic Pollution and Fate

Perspectives on the Plastics Lifecycle: Plastic Waste Management

Perspectives on the Plastics Lifecycle: Plastics Use and Demand

Perspectives on the Plastics Lifecycle: Plastic Production and Design