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
The overarching, long-term goal was to noticeably reduce the amount of plastics in the environment.