The 6th ocean plastics research seminar in Environmental and Food Unit was held on Friday, September 6, 2024.
Aim of this research seminar is to exchange information on marine plastic research, organized by the Marine Science Group of the Environment and Food Unit.
At this 6th meeting, Dr. Nobuyuki Kawashima, advisor to Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.’s ESG Promotion Office, gave a lecture entitled, “History of the development of polylactic acid and its future prospects – Information on the social implementation of materials that contribute to the environment.” He talked about the history of companies’ development of environmentally friendly bioplastics businesses, as well as the movements and regulations of international organizations regarding plastics. At discussion time, the difficulty of research and development aimed at commercialization, which is different from basic research at universities, was introduced.
Next, Professor Atsushi Takahara (Kyushu University’s Research Center for Negative Emissions Technologies) introduced his research on the topic of “Environmental Deterioration of Polymer Materials.” Based on many years of research into polymer materials, he talked about the deterioration mechanisms of plastics under various environments. It appears that the participants shared the importance of basic information in taking measures against marine plastics. We felt that the importance for promotion of interdisciplinary research in the future.
Thank you to everyone who participated.
The next one is scheduled for November.
