Faculty of Environmental Protection , Velenje , Slovenia
Universitat Politècnica de València , Valencia , Spain
Universitat Politècnica de València , Valencia , Spain
Transylvania University of Brașov , Brasov , Romania
University of Insubria , Varese , Italy
Polytechnic University of Timişoara , Timișoara , Romania
Plastic has become indispensable since its introduction in the late 1800s, valued for its flexibility, durability, and affordability. Global plastic production has grown exponentially, reaching 400.3 million metric tons in 2022, despite a temporary decline in early 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, only 9% of all plastics ever produced have been recycled, with 60% accumulating in landfills or the environment, underscoring an urgent need for sustainable solutions to manage plastic waste. To address this challenge, the Erasmus+ project EDU4PlasticCircular aims to bridge the gap in sustainable development education related to plastics. Through collaboration with six organizations across four countries, the initiative is developing a comprehensive training program targeting higher education staff, students, and industry professionals. Employing innovative methodologies and an open-access online platform, the program emphasizes the transition to a circular and climate-neutral economy with a focus on plastics. This paper outlines the project's objectives, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes, including equipping learners with the skills needed to advance sustainable practices. By fostering a deeper understanding of the circular economy, the initiative aims to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding plastics.
The work presented in this paper was cofunded by the EU Erasmus+ project EDU4PlastiCircular: “Education for Plastics in a Circular and Climate Neutral Economy - Preventing Waste from Ending Up in the Environment” Erasmus+ 2023-1-RO01- KA220-HED-000166242). The content of this paper and any related communication reflect the views of the authors alone, and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use ade of the information provided herein.
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