Transitioning to a circular economy for plastics with an artist in residence (TRACE-P)
Transitioning to a circular economy for plastics with an artist in residence (TRACE-P)
Methods for science communication about the harms caused by plastic wastes have been ineffective in stimulating change. This study assessed if combining intergenerational influence and the skills of creative artists enables enhanced communication of scientific/engineering principles to the public (the COM-ART concept), with a focus on plastic wastes and its consequences. It involved discussions between a university artist-in-residence and specialist academics/professionals, creation/exhibition of artwork, and an associated social survey. The study demonstrated that the COM-ART concept has considerable potential as an approach to improve scientific communication and stimulate change based on scientific evidence. Results showed the artwork was successful in: i) educating people about sources and impacts of plastic pollution ii) creating an emotional response from viewers iii) encouraging people to reduce their plastic usage and question the impact of their lifestyles on the environment.
plastics, science communication, art, intergenerational influence
Williams, Ian
c9d674ac-ee69-4937-ab43-17e716266e22
Roberts, Toby James
a713792f-520a-49de-9e1d-ee037950bc52
1 November 2026
Williams, Ian
c9d674ac-ee69-4937-ab43-17e716266e22
Roberts, Toby James
a713792f-520a-49de-9e1d-ee037950bc52
Williams, Ian and Roberts, Toby James
(2026)
Transitioning to a circular economy for plastics with an artist in residence (TRACE-P).
Journal of Cleaner Production, 538, [147261].
(doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.147261).
Abstract
Methods for science communication about the harms caused by plastic wastes have been ineffective in stimulating change. This study assessed if combining intergenerational influence and the skills of creative artists enables enhanced communication of scientific/engineering principles to the public (the COM-ART concept), with a focus on plastic wastes and its consequences. It involved discussions between a university artist-in-residence and specialist academics/professionals, creation/exhibition of artwork, and an associated social survey. The study demonstrated that the COM-ART concept has considerable potential as an approach to improve scientific communication and stimulate change based on scientific evidence. Results showed the artwork was successful in: i) educating people about sources and impacts of plastic pollution ii) creating an emotional response from viewers iii) encouraging people to reduce their plastic usage and question the impact of their lifestyles on the environment.
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e-pub ahead of print date: 8 December 2025
Published date: 1 November 2026
Keywords:
plastics, science communication, art, intergenerational influence
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Local EPrints ID: 509173
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/509173
ISSN: 0959-6526
PURE UUID: 7e66143d-d301-4553-a092-8730e816e2aa
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Date deposited: 11 Feb 2026 18:10
Last modified: 12 Feb 2026 02:43
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Author:
Toby James Roberts
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