Staff, students and visitors gathered in the Andrew N. Liveris Building on 28 September for a screening of The Plastic Country as part of Bioplastics Week.
The event was initiated by Professor Pete Halley, who introduced the documentary and its themes. Produced by Minderoo Foundation, The Plastic Country explores Australia’s relationship with plastics and the impacts of plastic pollution.
Promotional flyer for the screening of The Plastic Country during Bioplastics Week.
The screening provided an opportunity to reflect on the complexity of the plastics challenge and the wide range of approaches needed to address it. Through stories from across Australia, the documentary highlighted issues including plastic consumption and waste, impacts on ecosystems and wildlife, and the role of policy in tackling plastic pollution. Australia is among the world’s highest generators of single-use plastic waste per person, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
The film also highlighted examples of action already underway, including initiatives aimed at reducing litter and plastics entering waterways such as Moreton Bay through improved stormwater filtration infrastructure.
For Centre members and guests, the screening sparked important conversations and reflections on the many factors that contribute to a more sustainable future for plastics. While there are no simple solutions, addressing plastic pollution will require contributions from research, industry, government and the broader community.
As a Centre focused on advancing sustainable plastics and biocomposites, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the important role research can play in generating evidence, informing decision-making and supporting the transition to a sustainable plastics future.
