The University of Birmingham, in collaboration with Birmingham stage company Stan's Cafe, has been recognised at the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards 2025, winning in the 'Benefitting Society' category, for a ground-breaking initiative to tackle the plastics crisis through interdisciplinary research, creative engagement, and policy influence.

Established in 2004, the Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges.

With over 100 finalists in the running, the 2025 awards ceremony took place at The Library of Birmingham.

The winning project, "Empowering Evidence-based Policy Through Interdisciplinary Action," was led by the Birmingham Plastics Network (BPN) and exemplifies the University of Birmingham's commitment to civic responsibility, sustainability, and societal impact. At the heart of the initiative was the 2024 Plastics Policy Commission, which brought together experts from science, engineering, law, economics, and more to develop evidence-based recommendations for a sustainable plastics future in the UK.

To bring these findings to life, the BPN partnered with the acclaimed Birmingham-based theatre company Stan's Cafe to create The Many Lives of PET #1- a thought-provoking tabletop comedy/drama that explores the journey of a single plastic bottle through various life cycles. Touring over 2025, the production reached over 2,000 individuals through public performances and school workshops, helping people to connect with environmental topics in a way that traditional formats often can't, particularly in underserved communities.