Educating for Sustainable Plastic Management in a Circular and Climate-neutral Economy

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.