Systems

Our world is built on plastics. These plastics are not simple materials, but complex formulations of polymers, additives, fillers and contaminants developed to deliver a specific technical purpose. These plastics are then conflated into complex objects, from simple plastic films to functional objects like credit cards or electric vehicles. The fate of an object, a component, material or molecule is tied to this composition and to both social practice and perceptions of value. This complexity exacerbates our efforts to prioritise sustainability – in design, in use, and at end-of-life.

Presumptions about sustainability – that green and bio are always better or that polymers are all the same – often lead to unintended, negative consequences in product use or may deleteriously impact repair, reuse, and recycling outcomes. In many instances, proposed material swaps may increase our carbon footprint or create other negative environmental impacts. Systems approaches are needed to understand the interrelationships between social practice – from material selection, use and reuse to disposal – and quantifiable environmental impacts.

The group uses systems-based approaches to help shape authentically sustainable innovations. Our One Bin To Rule Them All project challenged the current household waste management system, whilst new projects on electric vehicles (with Polestar) and medical plastics (with Bupa) are helping to reshape industry best practice. Our latest work in this space is exploring the concept of intersectoral transitions. Is it better to turn a yogurt pot into a yogurt pot? Or should those pots become a car dashboard?