The Circular Plastics Economy Network (CPEN) is an international, multidisciplinary training and networking programme led by PISCES Relay members Dr Eleni Iacovidou and Professor Joyashree Roy. It is designed to build capacity in sustainable plastics research, innovation and management. CPEN aims to bridge theory and practice by bringing together academia, industry, civil society and policymakers to develop the next generation of leaders in plastic-pollution prevention and circular-economy implementation.
CPEN supports plastic-related research and practices across the full lifecycle of plastics – from production and consumption to waste management, recycling, reuse and policy innovation – equipping participants with the skills to design systemic solutions for plastic pollution and waste.
Why CPEN Matters
- The global plastic-pollution challenge involves not only waste and pollution, but deep environmental, social, economic and governance dimensions. Effective responses require multi-disciplinary, cross-sectoral capacity. CPEN provides that.
- Through CPEN, researchers and practitioners gain hands-on training in mapping, monitoring, evaluation and modelling of plastics production, consumption and management – essential tools for evidence-based policy and system transformation.
- CPEN helps align emerging scientific insight with real-world decision making, creating a community of innovators equipped to support global efforts (like the Global Plastics Treaty) toward a circular plastics economy.
What CPEN Does – Training, Networking & Research Support
Training and Capacity Building
- Delivers multidisciplinary training programmes targeting students, researchers, industry practitioners, government officials and civil society actors.
- Offers hands-on training in plastic-economy tools: lifecycle modelling, consumption/production mapping, waste flow analysis, monitoring & evaluation methodologies, and circular-economy metrics.
Networking & Knowledge Exchange
- Facilitates dialogues and collaboration between existing complementary research initiatives (e.g marine/plastic-waste abatement, circular system innovation for polymer waste).
- Encourages mutual learning and co-creation between academia, industry, government, NGOs and other stakeholders – essential for real change beyond academic publications.
Applied Research & Innovation Support
- Supports development of locally relevant circular economy interventions, informed by research and stakeholder engagement.
- Prepares future leaders – researchers, practitioners and policymakers – who can translate plastic pollution science into actionable, context-sensitive solutions.
CPEN and PISCES Relay
CPEN is closely aligned with the aims of PISCES Relay:
- It leverages PISCES’ research and evidence base as a foundation for training.
- It complements PISCES Relay’s implementation-oriented projects (e.g. Circular Banyuwangi, Living Labs, Monitoring Handbook) by building the human and institutional capacity needed to scale circular-economy solutions in Southeast Asia and globally.