ERC is a global leader in plastics pollution and the circular economy, having conducted numerous studies around the world on various forms of marine plastics, marine litter, oceanographic modelling, plastics life-cycle analysis, and circular economy.

Projects have focused on the quantification and characterisation of marine plastics including the delivery of national baseline assessments of Abandoned, Lost and Discarded Fishing Gear. We also look at plastic value chain analysis and solutions to marine plastics through enabling a more circular economy and better waste management and are keen to develop practical solutions to the problem of marine plastics.

ERC mobilises cutting edge expertise in marine pollution, life-cycle analysis, waste management, oceanography, economics, and GIS.

Key areas we cover

Marine plastics research and evaluation, quantification and characterisation.
ALDFG including baseline assessments.
Circularity assessment.
Plastic value chain analysis.
Life cycle and material flow analysis.
Policy, project and programme development e.g. Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture and Plastic 3R Strategy.
Marine social science research and systems analysis.

talk to us today

Completed and current projects

Explore some of our completed and current marine plastics pollution projects.

Art-based approach to identifying Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES)

Client Cefas

Location UK

Date October 2024 till February 2025

Learn More

Scoping study of ALDFG & EOLFG in the Maldives

ERC undertook a scoping study to assess the feasibility of conducting a national baseline assessment of Abandoned, Lost and Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) and End of Life Fishing Gear (EOLFG) in the Maldives.

Client Cefas - Ocean Country Partnership Programme

Location Maldives

Date November 2023 – May 2024

Learn More

National baseline assessment of ALDFG in Sri Lanka and a programme of outreach

National baseline assessment of Abandoned, Lost or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) in Sri Lanka and outreach

Client Cefas

Location Sri Lanka

Date January 2022 – March 2024

Learn More

Develop evidence to support better outcomes from the Educational Access option

ERC undertook research and reviewed the current use of the Educational Access (EA) option in England.

Client Natural England

Location England, UK

Date Oct 2022 - April 2024

Learn More

UK seafood waste valorisation project

ERC reviewed the volume of seafood waste and ‘by-products’ generated in the UK and how this waste is utilized

Client WWF – Tesco Partnership

Location UK

Date August – November 2023

Learn More

Solent Seascape Recovery Plan

ERC are supporting the Solent Seascapes project with the production of the Solent Seascape Recovery Plan.

Client Blue Marine Foundation

Location Solent, Hampshire, UK

Date October 2023 – October 2027

Learn More

Challenges and opportunities for an integrated management approach of Gaza’s coastal zone

ERC are contracted to conduct an assessment and recommendations for coastal restoration of Gaza’s coastal zone and it’s natural resources and ecosystems.

Client World Bank – PROBLUE programme

Location Gaza Strip, Palestine

Date June 2023 – suspended

Learn More