Synthesizing Plastics: Helmholtz Expertise on plastics Research and policy Engagement (SPHERE)
© Dr. Elena von Helden
The SPHERE project—"Synthesizing Plastics: Helmholtz Expertise on Plastics Research and Policy Engagement"—addresses the global challenge of plastic pollution by consolidating and advancing knowledge on the end-of-life management of plastics. As international efforts, like the Global Plastic Treaty, strive to combat plastic waste, SPHERE leverages the diverse expertise within Germany’s Helmholtz Association to support sustainable policy development for plastic degradation and recycling.
Current plastics research within the Helmholtz Association spans multiple projects and disciplines, focusing on the environmental impacts, degradation processes, and circularity of plastics. Efforts include the Microplastics Competence Cluster, which investigates the sources, distribution, and impacts of microplastics or FINEST, focusing on new circular technologies, for example. These and other initiatives are brought together by SPHERE to find synergies, align strategies, and enhance the overall impact of plastics research across the Helmholtz Earth & Environment Program and beyond.
By mapping and analyzing scientific research and policy documents, SPHERE identifies opportunities and barriers for more sustainable plastics governance. The project actively engages with stakeholders from policy, society, industry, and academia to bridge knowledge gaps and transform scientific insights into actionable knowledge. Through this comprehensive synthesis, SPHERE aims to support informed decision-making and contribute to environmental sustainability.
SPHERE will produce a synthesis of plastic research within the Helmholtz Earth & Environment Program, culminating in a synthesis report and a policy brief. These outputs are designed to inform and guide improvements in plastics’ end-of-life management and promote principles of circularity. By bundling insights across technological, societal, and environmental challenges, the project aims to create a knowledge base that supports collaboration, policy harmonization, and sustainable practices across national and international contexts.
General Assembly 2024
At the General Assembly of the Helmholtz Research Field Earth & Environment in Kiel, Prof. Nick Wierckx presented the project for the first time.
Open Info Meeting
On January 8, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 CET, an online Open Info Meeting about the SPHERE project will take place. Everyone interested is warmly invited to participate. The access link is available upon request from the contact persons listed below.
Kick off Meeting in Berlin
On January 24, 2025, the kick-off meeting of the SynCom SPHERE project, “Synthesizing Plastics: Helmholtz Expertise in Plastics Research and Policy Engagement,” will take place in Berlin. This meeting marks the official launch of the project, which focuses on advancing research and policy engagement in the field of plastics.
During the meeting, the project goals will be presented, key milestones defined, and collaborative strategies for effective teamwork developed. The aim is to consolidate the Helmholtz Association’s expertise in this field and establish a strong foundation for future progress.
The kick-off meeting provides participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas on planned activities and actively contribute to the project’s start. The event will be held at the Helmholtz headquarters in Berlin.
With the SPHERE project, a new phase of collaboration and innovation in plastics research is beginning.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Nick Wierckx: n.wierckx@fz-juelich.de; Dr. Anran Luo: anran.luo@ufz.de; Dr. Paul Einhäupl: paul.einhaeupl@rifs-potsdam.de