Plastics recycling and waste management are two of the pressing matters inside the Circular Economy and sustainability concerns. Several widespread myths hinder a facts-based discussion and consequent proper decision-making in the area. More than ever, there must be a dynamic connection between academic knowledge and real-world needs.

The Polymer Processing Research Centre (PPRC) at Queen's University Belfast has been at the forefront of developments in addressing the challenges of plastics waste and helping the industry find innovative solutions towards recycling.

Our R&D laboratory facilities encompass the major plastics manufacturing processes, and employs a team of full-time technical staff offering the services of material characterisation and testing, process optimisation, polymer and process development, pre-production trials, process troubleshooting, product/process design and simulation, and training programmes for industry and academic researchers in the principles of polymer science and engineering, coupled to hands-on practical experience of polymer processes and test methods.