“We only protect what we love, we only love what we understand, 

and we only understand what we are taught.”
 Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Sometimes changing the world begins by facing our challenges. As we learn to recognise these challenges, we empower ourselves to create effective solutions. 

Around the world, people are waking up to the realities of marine plastic pollution. While the circular economy principles guide us to reuse and recycle, these steps alone cannot completely capture a large percentage of plastic waste. There is a gap in understanding the nature of toxic chemical additives and their impact on the environment and human health.  

How do we face this challenge? First, we have to see it. 

MedWaves has identified innovative communications models to improve access to information and raise awareness on the safe alternatives to toxic chemicals. INPLASTICS is a set of educational and communications tools designed to help face the challenges, specifically identifying opportunities for specific target groups to be part of the solution.

Based on updated information and case studies, INPASTICS translates complex data into relatable content that can inspire young professionals to act; policy makers to design and enact better regulations; consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing plastic items; and businesses to increase transparency and reduce use of toxic constituents and/or switch to safer alternatives.  

MedWaves has hosted two online sessions to gather and support stakeholders: the first webinar on toxic chemicals & textiles on 5 May 2022; and the second webinar on toxic chemicals and bioplastics on the 13 May 2022.

INPLASTICS will be delivering 2 ECTS modules within the Erasmus+ MehMed programme to provide young professionals and students currently engaged in higher education in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Students will have access to updated information on toxic additives in plastics, associated environmental and health risks and key recommendations to guide the realisation of a truly circular plastic economy.

To reach our goals, INPASTICS aims to produce: 

• A technical brief/report highlighting updated data on toxic additives in plastics, developed and approved by the Scientific Committee;
• A Master’s-level module for higher education exploring challenges and opportunities of plastics in a circular economy, within the Erasmus+ MehMed project;
• Two webinars that follow the recommendations set out in the 2020 publication “Plastic’s Toxic Additives and the Circular Economy”;
• A communication plan with various communication materials prepared and disseminated; and
• A project monitoring report.