One Bin to Rule Them All
In this case study Dr Helen Holmes describes how ‘One Bin to Rule Them All’ brought together material scientists with social scientists and economists using an interdisciplinary approach to tackle the issue of plastic recycling.
Can you tell us about your project in a nutshell?
‘One Bin to Rule Them All’ was a three-year project that brought together material scientists with social scientists and economists using an interdisciplinary approach to tackle the issue of plastic recycling.
We aimed to improve plastic recycling by exploring the concept of ‘One Bin’ to hold all plastic-like items. We wanted to identify the sorting decisions to be made, creating value, and working with stakeholders from across the plastics supply chain (including manufacturers, policymakers, households and waste organisations) to unpick the challenges in plastic recycling.
How were/are Team Research principles used in this project?
One Bin to Rule Them All was an interdisciplinary project from the outset. Led by Co-Is from three different disciplines (polymer science, business and sociology) we sought to co-create the research design to ensure a fully integrated team research project throughout its life course. This included involving external stakeholders and partners from industry and policy from the outset. We devised a project which not only built on the capacities and expertise of each discipline and many of the stakeholders involved but also brought them together in novel and innovative ways.
How did Team Research principles benefit the project?
Working in the way we have has been very productive, and our interdisciplinary approach has undoubtedly bolstered the impact the findings from the project have had. Together we have produced a Policy white paper which brings together the findings from across the project. This has had significant policy and industry influence and a lot of media coverage. For example, the recommendations from the white paper have led to adoption of ideas by Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, Waste and Resources Action Programme, WRAP, Zero Waste Scotland and Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The UK government’s recent Simpler Recycling scheme also mirrors the report’s findings. We have featured on BBC 1, Channel 4 and in the Sunday Times, In-News and Washington Post.
Alongside the white paper we also used our interdisciplinary findings to produce a materials hierarchy. This is a tool which enables industry and policy organisations to assess the most sustainable and economically viable end of life fate for a particular type of plastic. This has been adopted by 14 industry partners.
What is your top tip for working with Team Research principles?
Communication, communication, communication!
How can interdisciplinary collaborations like yours be further supported?
More resources towards encouraging interdisciplinary ways of working such as workshops and training. Building upon and expanding the resources offered by the platforms and the Team Research team would be a great place to start.
Key publications
Policy report: https://zenodo.org/records/8341648
Materials Hierarchy:
Website:
https://www.sustainablefutures.manchester.ac.uk/research/case-studies/one_bin_to_rule_them_all/
Links to our One Bin videos: