Last Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, Professor Ricardo Beiras captivated attendees at the Advancing Plastics Circularity Conference (Plastics Recycling and Upcycling Gordon Research Conference) held at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA. His presentation, “Facts and Myths on the Environmental Impact of Plastics: Towards Safe and Sustainable Polymeric Materials,” was part of a five-day balanced program of cutting‑edge talks, in‑depth discussions, and poster sessions aimed at accelerating the transition to a circular plastics economy – from improving recycling and upcycling methods to designing plastics that are “recyclable‑by‑design.”
In his talk, Prof. Beiras debunked common misconceptions about plastics in the environment, distinguishing between well‑documented risks and overstated concerns. Drawing on years of ecotoxicology research, he highlighted the pathways through which various polymers persist, fragment, and interact with marine and freshwater ecosystems. He also showcased emerging biodegradable and bio‑based alternatives, underscoring the importance of rigorous safety testing and lifecycle assessments.
Prof. Beiras concluded by calling for interdisciplinary collaboration to develop standardized testing protocols and sustainable design principles, ensuring future polymeric materials are both effective and environmentally responsible.
