NSERC - ECCC Call for Proposals on Plastics Science and Innovation for a Cleaner and More Sustainable Future

Research objectives

Generating new knowledge on plastics science and building on existing research created under previous programs, for example, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Plastics Science for a Cleaner Future.

The proposed research project must address at least one of the following CaPSA themes:

Theme 1: Detection, quantification and characterization of plastics in the environment

1. Studies that generate new or build on the existing body of scientific research from Theme 1:

Where research was previously undertaken to strengthen the science concerning Theme 1, focused research that complements and furthers this knowledge is encouraged. For example, alignment of methodologies and comparability of data for identifying and assessing the toxicity of plastics; enhanced methods to monitor and detect different types of macroplastics, microplastics and nanoplastics.

Theme 2: Impacts on Wildlife, Human Health and the Environment

1. Advancing scientific knowledge of the current research under Theme 2:

Research that complements and furthers knowledge about the impacts of plastics on wildlife, human health and/or the environment in various ecosystems (e.g., terrestrial) and/or compartments (e.g., air); risk assessment frameworks on the impacts of plastics and plastic additives on key indictor/receptor species; risks from plastic particles and chemicals, etc.

Theme 3: Plastic Design and Alternatives

1. Investigating plastic designs and alternatives from sustainably sourced materials that are also less harmful/toxic to the environment and humans:
   
   Research that aims to better understand the potential environmental impacts of alternatives to conventional plastics. For example, improving our understanding of biodegradation and developing appropriate testing methods; exploring and assessing the entire life cycle of a broader range of bio-based materials, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal; and assessing potential scenarios and suitability of applications of bioplastics in various sectors, including the innovation and use of second and third generation feedstocks.

1. Improving end-of-life options, including greater value retention (e.g., reuse, repair, remanufacturing, recycling and composting) to lessen environmental impacts, reduce waste and enable circularity:
   
   Research that aims to better understand and improve end-of-life value retention prospects of plastics and alternatives through design. For example, improving value retention (remanufacture, refurbishment) outcomes for plastics; establishing a plastics classification system that improves retention prospects.

Theme 4: Sustainable Use of Plastics

1. Contributing knowledge to inter-disciplinary sustainability science on the interactions affecting the use, needs and behaviours concerning plastics and the impacts on humans and the environment:
   
   Research that aims to generate knowledge about the inter-disciplinary impacts of plastics, behavioural insights, as well as the challenge of sustainability, to meet the needs of present and future generations to maximize societal benefits, including the social, economic, health, and environmental factors, while minimizing harm. For example, behavioural insights research on the use of plastics, plastic alternatives, or reducing plastic use, etc.; research that spans multiple, integrated disciplines such as, but not limited to, behavioural science, food science, human health, and plastics science, to investigate the impacts of plastic packaging on bacteria growth and foodborne illnesses.

Theme 5: Waste Diversion and Recovery

1. Examining the supplementary or cumulative impacts of recycled/reusable plastics:
   
   Research that addresses the effects/impacts of recycled and reusable plastics and the potential harms via exposure to these plastics. For example, studies about the toxicity/harms of recycled plastics and the risks from microplastics, additives, or contaminants under varying conditions (e.g., hot, cold, acidic, etc.).

1. Generating new knowledge and improving techniques on the removal of plastics from various environmental compartments:
   
   Research that aims to understand, assess and improve the removal of nanoplastics and microplastics from the environment (soil, water, air). For example, microplastic removal during wastewater treatment; improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of microplastics biodegradation in the environment.