The goal of the BMBF’s research focus “Plastic in the Environment – sources, sinks and solutions” was to develop and establish scientific procedures, methods, instruments and concepts for investigating plastics in the environment. This involved
- creating a consistent picture of the overall problem and making it the basis for international action
- identifying, developing, and implementing solutions to the problem together with relevant political, economic and social actors
- starting projects to reduce entry of plastics into the environment in cooperation with international partners from countries that constitute the most important producers and consumers of plastic
As an overarching, long-term goal, it was sought to noticeably reduce the amount of plastics in the environment.