The Franklin Institute Symposium "Sustainable Plastics"

Name: The Franklin Institute Symposium "Sustainable Plastics"
Start: 2026-04-30T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-30T12:00:00-04:00
Location: University Of Delaware Trabant Movie Theater

Schedule

Thu Apr 30 2026 at 09:00 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

University Of Delaware Trabant Movie Theater | Newark, DE

Professor : LaShanda Korley
https://mseg.udel.edu/people/korley/
Title : "Framing Circularity in the Plastics Landscape"
Abstract : Polymers are ubiquitous in the modern world, and the demand for and production of plastics products continues to climb. Historically, the chemical manufacturing of plastics has focused on key features, such as durability, low-cost, and multifunctionality; however, these aspects also challenge current interventions to combat the plastics waste dilemma. I will overview plastics sustainability from the perspective of transitioning from a linear to a circular economy, addressing macromolecular diversity and plastic waste complexity, reducing dependence on petroleum feedstocks, and maintaining (or improving) material performance.

Professor : Bradley Olsen
https://cheme.mit.edu/profile/bradley-d-olsen/
Title : "Following in the Footsteps of a Sustainable Polymers Innovator"
Abstract : This talk pays homage to one of the world’s leading innovators in the area of polymer sustainability by discussing the integration of organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and systems engineering in order to address challenges in polymer sustainability. The talk will discuss the systems-level challenges that drive how polymers are actually disposed and engineering approaches to promote improvements in polymer end-of-life. The role of biodegradation relative to recycling as a part of design will also be discussed.

Professor : Geoffrey Coates
https://chemistry.cornell.edu/geoffrey-w-coates
Title : Rethinking Plastics: Molecular Strategies for Sustainable Polymers
Abstract : Modern society relies on polymers more than ever, but their production and disposal come at an environmental cost. In this lecture, I will share our work to improve polymer circularity by designing materials for mechanical recycling, creating systems for chemical recycling, and developing sustainable pathways to biodegradable plastics.