FIRST DAY OF COLAB ENTITLED “HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF PLASTIC USE”

Three days (25–27 May 2026) of inspiring meetings at Asten Group S.A., focused on plastics and microplastics!

On May 25, the first day of the CoLAB entitled “Health and environmental aspects of plastic use: the problem of microplastics” took place.

The event was held from 25 to 27 May 2026 at Asten Group S.A. in Czestochowa. The symposium was organised as part of the activities specified in the schedule of the “European Universities” project, which brings together nine partner universities within the COLOURS Alliance.

The first day included scientific lectures devoted to a multifaceted analysis of the challenges and problems of modern civilisation, namely the omnipresence of microplastics caused by excessive plastic production and the improper management of plastic waste. The speakers emphasised that everyday plastic products made from conventional polymers resistant to environmental degradation, such as PE, PP, PET, and PS, pose a significant threat, and that their proper management should be regarded as one of the key challenges facing modern civilisation.

Particular attention was paid to the occurrence and consequences of the impact of microplastics on the natural environment and human health. The discussions also addressed challenges faced by public administration institutions at both central and local government levels, as well as non-governmental organisations, individual stakeholders, and private sector entities.

During the first day of the event, a cooperation agreement was also signed between our University and the Boleslaw Prus School Complex in Czestochowa. The agreement aims to ensure cooperation in the fields of research, education, and culture, supporting high-quality education for pupils, students, and doctoral candidates, as well as fostering potential scientific and research collaboration.

An important element of the event was the simultaneously organised Hackathon entitled “Awareness enhancement of the risks associated with the improper management of plastics”. The competition, consisting of four phases (Dream it, Make it, Test it, Share it), aimed to develop innovative solutions, communication strategies, and technological tools to combat plastic pollution by increasing public awareness of the risks associated with improper plastic waste management. Prizes with a total value of €2,500 are financed from the budget of the COLOURS European Universities Alliance.

The first day, featuring expert lectures delivered as part of the CoLAB (master class), served as an introduction to the first stage of the competition, “Dream It”, and was intended to inspire participants in their search for innovative solutions related to the competition theme. The expert presentations, delivered by representatives of both the academic sector and the socio-economic environment, provided valuable inspiration and guidance.