Plastics Competence Cluster

Plastics Competence Cluster (PCC)

The Plastics Competence Cluster (PCC) bundles core expertise of many research groups that study diverse aspects related to plastics and associated chemicals. By covering its entire life cycle, environmental fate, effects in humans and organisms, governance and many more aspects are addressed. The original PCC was launched in 2023 as a virtual coalition of interdisciplinary UFZ researchers, and has been growing continously. This led to a major relaunch in 2026 where we structured the expertise in 9 overarching topics. Contributors now comprise the Helmholtz Centres within the Research Field Earth & Environment, and goes beyond to external members of our networks. We are open to including additional topics and expertises.

Particles
Chemicals
Fate
Effects
Governance
Remediation
Systematic approaches
Communication
Projects

The Plastics Competence Cluster (PCC) was created as a virtual coalition of interdisciplinary scientists at the UFZ and beyond.

What is the purpose of this PCC?

  • the environmental fate and potential impacts of plastics and associated chemicals on humans and ecosystems are a core research focus 
  • numerous disciplines and research groups are involved to address the multiple dimensions of plastics and associated chemicals 
  • we designed the PCC as a platform for intensified networking to increase our joint understanding and foster synergies

How do we profit from the PCC?

  • research approaches from the natural and social sciences across institutions are connected to widen our general scope 
  • we generate a representation of the most important research activities suitable for multisectoral stakeholders from science, regulation and policy making, but also journalists and the general public 
  • we foster collaboration both internally and externally 
  • we increase visibility and outreach 
  • we connect to external collaborators and bring in young talents worldwide

Which activities do we pursue?

  • PCC provides a comprehensive overview of our activities and projects, the involved groups, individual researchers and core publications 
  • it provides a platform for information, networking and joint publications 
  • it helps to initiate new research ideas and projects 
  • it supports the development of innovative solutions to counteract the global threat from plastic pollution