The University of Algarve (UAlg) signed, last February, a protocol with the Portuguese Pact for Plastics.
This initiative, explains the Algarve academy, «intends to promote a joint and collaborative path between industry and research, with a view to accelerating the transition to a circular economy for plastics in Portugal, where plastics will never be converted into waste or pollution».
The Pact, led by the Smart Waste Portugal Association, brings together several companies from different sectors, government entities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), associations and universities, around this common vision, totaling around 80 entities.
By signing this protocol, the University of Algarve assumes «its commitment to this cause, which had already started in 2018 with the campaign “UAlg + healthy with -plastic”».
From this campaign, stresses UAlg, «several actions have already resulted, such as the elimination of single-use plastics in UAlg's bars and canteens, and awareness-raising actions that were extended to the surrounding community».
“In addition to being another UAlg contribution to the transformation of society, the signing of this Pact represents a high potential for future collaboration in terms of education, research, innovation and with society itself”, adds the university.
By 2025, the members of the Portuguese Pact for Plastics commit to eliminating single-use plastics that are considered problematic and/or unnecessary.
They are also committed to ensuring that 100% of plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable and that 70% or more are actually recycled, through increased collection and recycling.
The members of the Pact also intend to incorporate, on average, 30% of recycled plastic in new packaging, and promote awareness and education activities for consumers (current and future) on the circular use of plastics.
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