Plastics and Environment: Exploring environmental, sustainability and planetary health dimensions

“Plastics & Environment – 3rd Edition: Exploring Environmental, Sustainability and Planetary Health Dimensions” is an interdisciplinary international conference focused on the environmental, social, economic and health implications of plastics and plastic pollution. The event will take place in person at the University of Milano-Bicocca (Milan, Italy) on 4–5 June 2026 and will bring together researchers, academics, policy-makers, industry representatives, civil society actors and students from different scientific and professional backgrounds. The conference format includes keynote lectures, thematic scientific sessions, oral and poster presentations, interdisciplinary discussions and an opening workshop dedicated to sustainable textiles and the “Safe and Sustainable by Design” framework.

The event is designed to promote dialogue between science, policy, industry and society, encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge exchange. The main objectives of the conference are: to provide an updated overview of current research on plastics, microplastics and nanoplastics; to explore environmental and human health impacts associated with plastic pollution; to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across chemical, biological, environmental, social and economic sciences; to discuss innovative monitoring, mitigation and remediation strategies; to promote circular economy and bioeconomy approaches; to investigate governance, policy and socio-cultural dimensions related to sustainability transitions and climate-neutral cities. 

The scientific programme is organised around five thematic areas: 1. Innovative monitoring methods and environmental fate of micro- and nanoplastics; 2. Ecotoxicological and environmental impacts of plastics; 3. Human exposure and adverse health effects of micro- and nanoplastics; 4. Safe and Sustainable by Design approaches, circularity and bioeconomy in polymer innovation; 5. Climate-neutral cities and plastics, with a focus on governance, environmental justice, participation, education and sustainable urban transitions. 

The Climate Pact Ambassador Monica Bernardi, associate professor at Milano-Bicocca University, is member of the scientific commettee and chair of the session number 5 about plastics impacts on territories, policies and solutions. The conference aims to contribute to the broader goals of ecological transition, environmental sustainability and planetary health by promoting integrated and evidence-based approaches to one of the most urgent global environmental challenges.