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CIRCULAR PLASTICS
core RESEARCH programme: CIRCULAR PLASTICS
We need to move away from our reliance on fossil-based plastics and towards a circular economy. Our vision of sustainable plastics involves creating materials derived from renewable feedstocks and with multiple closed-loop life cycles such as mechanical and chemical recycling or biodegradation.
As part of this research programme, we work with the plastic industry to identify current capability gaps in the properties and environmental impacts of these materials – specifically for biobased, recyclable and degradable materials. We seek to understand how to fill these gaps by, for example, exploring and exploiting structure-property relationships and new sustainable composite materials.
PROGRAMME LEADS & Research Team

Antoine's research focusses on the discovery of novel chemical transformations and use in catalysis of renewable resources, in particular for the synthesis of sustainable polymers.
Programme Lead (Bath)

Clive's research investigates the behaviour of materials and structures when subjected to impact loading. Most materials behave very differently when deformed at high speeds. His work aims to understand the microscopic causes of rate dependence, with a view to better design and use of materials.
Programme Lead (Oxford)

Ryan is an iCAST core postdoctoral researcher based in Oxford. His expertise lies in oxygenated polymer synthesis, enantioselective catalysis and small molecule activation.
Core Researcher (Oxford)
key publications
- Bio‐derived and degradable block polyester pressure‐sensitive adhesives. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2020, 59, 23450–2345 (Williams)
- Understanding metal synergy in heterodinuclear catalysts for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides. Nat. Chem., 2020, 12, 372–380 (Williams)
- Xylose-based polyethers and polyesters via ADMET polymerization toward polyethylene-like materials. ACS Appl. Polym. Mater., 2021, 3, 5870–5881 (Buchard)
- Control of crystallinity and stereocomplexation of synthetic carbohydrate polymers from D‐ and L‐Xylose. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2021, 60, 4524–4528 (Buchard)
- Online tracing of molecular weight evolution during radical polymerization via high-resolution FlowNMR spectroscopy. Polym. Chem., 2020, 11, 3546–3550 (Davidson, Hintermair)
- Poly(lactic acid) Degradation into Methyl Lactate Catalyzed by a Well-Defined Zn(II) Complex. ACS Catal., 2019, 9, 409–416 (Jones)
news and events
News
iCAST researcher leads clean energy application strand of £10m EPSRC grant
iCAST researcher leads clean energy application strand of £10m EPSRC grant University of Bath RESEARCH GRANTS Clean energy Image: ‘GaP disks on a photoelectrode for enhanced water splitting’ by Ludwig Hüttenhofer Dr Simon Freakley, iCAST core programme lead in Biobased Feedstocks, will lead the work package on clean energy applications on a £10m EPSRC grant […]
26/05/22
Events SETsquared
24-26 May 2022
West of England Sustainable Technologies Scale-Up Programme – Sustainability Workout
A 3 half-day online workshop for organisations looking to explore how they can be more sustainable.
07/04/22
9.30am-1.30pm
Events SETsquared
6-7 Apr 2022
West of England Sustainable Technologies Scale-Up Programme – Sustainability Workout
A 2-day online workshop for organisations looking to explore how they can be more sustainable.
04/04/22
9am-4.30pm
News
Podcast – Plastics for a sustainable future?
Podcast – Plastics for a sustainable future? University of Oxford Sustainable plastics podcast Do plastics have a part to play in a sustainable future? And what innovations are on the horizon? Professor Charlotte Williams OBE FRS is iCAST Deputy Director, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Oxford and a Lead Researcher on the Oxford […]
29/03/22
Events SETsquared
8 June 2022
West of England Sustainable Technologies Scale-Up Programme – Construction Materials and Sustainability
Join us as we discuss some of the principles of sustainable construction, including designing for disassembly and adaptability.
18/03/22
9-10.30am
Events University of Bath
27-28 June 2022
Molecules to Materials for a Sustainable Future – CSCT Summer Showcase 2022
Join CSCT researchers and invited speakers to learn more about the latest in sustainability and the circular economy.
17/03/22
9.30am-5.00pm
News
Can a creative approach help fix the plastics problem?
Can a creative approach help fix the plastics problem? University of Oxford Plastic waste Design Museum London Image: Felix Speller, The Design Museum By Professor Charlotte Williams, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry Charlotte Williams OBE FRS is iCAST Deputy Director, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Oxford and a Lead Researcher on the Oxford Martin […]
15/03/22
Events UKRI / KTN
15-17 Mar 2022
Global Research & Innovation in Plastics Sustainability (GRIPS) 2022
Global Research & Innovation in Plastics Sustainability (GRIPS) is back for 2022, organised by the UK Circular Plastics Network & KTN.
08/03/22
9am-4.30pm
News
Dr Hannah Leese receives IChemE medal for her work in early detection of disease
Dr Hannah Leese receives IChemE medal for her work in early detection of disease University of Bath Medals Image: IChemE The iCAST core programme lead in Sustainable Engineering Materials received the Nicklin Medal, an award to recognise talented chemical engineering researchers. An early career researcher, experts in food bioprocessing and a dedicated volunteer are among […]
03/03/22
Events SETsquared
29-30 June 2022
West of England Sustainable Technologies Scale-Up Programme – Sustainability Workout
A fully-funded, 2-day face to face workshop for organisations looking to explore how they can be more sustainable.
18/02/22
9.15am-4.00pm
membership
Tap into the expertise, facilities and networks of a partnership created to help you bring innovation in sustainable technologies to market.