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 on Thursday 6 November 2025.
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.
Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said: "The Green Gown Awards are a major signifier of success within sustainability initiatives in Higher Education, so it is an honour to be one of this year's recipients.
“The Birmingham Plastics Network is a shining example of dedication to translating that research into societal impact, and I am thrilled to see their work recognised at a national scale." Prof. Andrew Dove, Professor of Sustainable Polymer Chemistry and member of the Birmingham Plastics Network, said: "This award highlights the value of working together across different areas of expertise.
“By combining research with creative approaches, we've helped people better understand sustainability and encouraged more open conversations about plastic use." James Yarker, Artistic Director, Stan's Café said: “We’re thrilled that The Many Lives of PET #1 has been recognised with the Green Gown Award for ‘Benefitting Society.’
“This award underlines the vital role of embedding sustainability conversations into artistic practice. The Many Lives of PET#1 demonstrates that creative storytelling can foster community dialogue, translate meaningful sustainability research, and spark real-world change.”
Now in their 21st year, the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards, administered by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) in association with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), celebrate excellence in sustainability within higher and further education. This year’s shortlist consisted of 112 sustainability initiatives from 76 institutions across 14 categories. The winners, including the University of Birmingham, will now go forward to represent the UK and Ireland in their respective categories at the International Green Gown Awards.
Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive of EAUC, said: "The quality of entries this year was outstanding once again. What’s particularly striking is how mainstream this has become - sustainability isn’t a side project anymore, it’s part of core strategy, teaching, estates and community partnerships for many post-16 education providers.”
