GRIPS - Is back on the 15th March 2022. In the absence of equitable support for the development and deployment of mass ocean plastic cleaning technology, one example of which is SeaVax, (another RiverVax) the world is left with taxation (and harsh language) as a means to discourage manufacturers to package their products in plastic. Applications were made for RiverVax funding in the UK, turned down in favour of beach cleaning and the like. Equally, supermarkets gave around £500,000 to beach cleaning and similar charities, rather than back automation in river and shore cleaning patrols. It's who you know, not what you know, wheels within wheels.

The problem here is that while the UK is introducing a packaging tax based on forcing plastic companies recycling more recovered product, the rest of the world may be slow to react, or worse, may never take the bait - unless there are environmental lobby groups to apply political pressure all around the world. We don't believe the rising levels of toxins in fish will deter the public from eating seafood - though this may impinge on national health services in due course with rising cancer rates. Sadly, most politicians only think to the next election, not about the health of your great grandchildren, or food for a secure future. We live in hope that next generation PMs, might assemble a cabinet to lobby for change internationally. Events like GRIPS are a move in the right direction, getting people thinking about the problem.

Unfortunately, though the UK is introducing a Plastic Packaging Tax, Mr Johnson is unlikely to see a clean River Thames during his stint as Prime Minister. In 2022, he did not conclude Brexit. Due to a number of issues, including how he was elected, such as the Big Red Bus campaign, and proroguing parliament, have all come back to question the perceived level of corruption in British politics. It is a pity that his domestic problems may have marred his efforts to promote electric vehicles, etc. But, well done on the packaging tax, a nice bit of environmental legislation.

Global Research and Innovation in Plastics Sustainability (GRIPS) is a conference, exhibition and showcase held on 16th – 18th March 2021 online. GRIPS is a virtual event for all those involved in the sustainability of polymers, plastics and elastomers.

In relation to the 7Seven Point Plastic Plan proposed in March of 2021 by the Cleaner Ocean Foundation's policy advisers, research into alternative methods of packaging and filming is essential for the Seven Articles to work effectively. Hence, the Foundation wholeheartedly supports such intervention by the Knowledge Transfer and UK Circular Plastics Network. The hope is that supermarket may have the means to transform their thinking, along with drinks companies and appliance manufacturers.

The GRIPS conference claims to hold the potential to bring together companies and individuals to highlight the best of the UK and selected international activities which will lead to plastics being less likely to reach landfill, end up incinerated, or become fugitive in the environment.

Research and innovation from both the academic and industrial community will be showcased. The event will provide a platform to help develop commercial success of these developments and build links within the polymer/plastics supply chain to strengthen the offer to UK and wider international actors in application sectors such as plastic packaging/FMCG, construction, agriculture, textiles, healthcare, etc.

With over 1500 (registered) delegates, 40 exhibitors and 160 speakers, attendees will be able to learn about some of the world’s best initiatives and developments, striving to make plastics less likely to reach landfills, end up incinerated, or become fugitive in the environment. 

This event is hosted by the UK Circular Plastics Network, organised by KTN and supported by Innovate UK, EPSRC and UKRI.

SPONSORS

EXHIBITORS

POLICY INNOVATION - 7SEVEN PPP

We need an International Agreement like MARPOL, to prevent plastic from rivers flowing into the sea. 

(DRAFT) ARTICLES

1. Supermarket packaging transformation (back) to paper predominantly
2. Glass bottles, metal cans, waxed cartons over plastic, unless genuinely biodegradable 
3. Monitoring rivers and strict enforcement against micro-fiber spillages from treatment plants
4. Trackers for fishing nets and strict enforcement for dumping, unless accidents reported
5. Recycling of plastic to 95% with controlled incineration of non-reusable elements
6. Filtration on domestic machines to remove microfibres from clothing
7. Introduction of plastic credit (incentives) trading scheme to drive the clean up

This website is Copyright © 2021 Cleaner Ocean Foundation Ltd.   The names Bluebird™, SeaVax™,  and the blue bird in flight  logo are  trademarks. All other trademarks are hereby acknowledged.