New Frontiers in Social Innovation Research: Social Innovation Management for BIOPlastics (SIMBIO)
Lead Research Organisation:
Coventry University
Department Name: Ctr for Business in Society
Abstract
Increasing concerns over the environmental impact of plastic single-use packaging have reached a critical juncture. Mumbai-one the largest cities in India-implemented a ban on single-use plastic bags, plastic cups and plastic bottles, with a stiff penalty (5000 rupees) or up to three months in jail for those vendors caught selling these products (Dhillon, 2018). From a corporate initiative, IKEA, has recently adopted biodegradable packaging made from mycelium (mushroom), which mimics the texture of polystyrene (Lempert, 2018). With growing awareness of the negative environmental impacts of petroleum-based packaging, the trend towards adopting bio-based products has increased. Currently, the highest demand for bio-based packaging is situated within the food industry. In a recent meeting of the World Economic Forum, it is claimed that biodegradable packaging is good for the economy and the environment. However, while bio-based packaging may be seen as a "disruptive innovation", there is a lack of studies exploring the social and environmental implications of this product. For example, bioplastic packaging is hard to distinguish from its plastic counterpart, resulting in contamination and waste management issues at a municipal level (UNEP, 2015). As such, the adoption of this product becomes a "wicked problem" as it is seemingly impossible to solve due to the numerous interdependent factors that simultaneously impact solutions. To address this issue, four research partners consisting of the UK, Canada, Brazil and Poland, will implement four collaborative social innovation labs. A social innovation methodology is critical to better understand how bio-based packaging innovation will impact the environment and diverse stakeholders across the supply chain, especially as it relates to food security, waste infrastructure, formal and informal waste collectors, consumers, vendors, food producers, and policymakers.
Planned Impact
Increasing concerns over the environmental impact of plastic single-use packaging have reached a critical juncture. Mumbai-one the largest cities in India-implemented a ban on single-use plastic bags, plastic cups and plastic bottles, with a stiff penalty (5000 rupee) or up to three months in jail for those vendors caught selling these products (Dhillon, 2018). From a corporate initiative, IKEA, has recently adopted biodegradable packaging made from mycelium (mushroom), which mimics the texture of polystyrene (Lempert, 2018). With growing awareness of the negative environmental impacts of petroleum-based packaging, the trend towards adopting bio-based products has increased (Gurunathan, T. et al., 2015). Currently, the highest demand for bio-based packaging is situated within the food industry (Ivankovic et al., 2017). In a recent meeting of the World Economic Forum, it is claimed that biodegradable packaging is good for the economy and the environment (Lacy and Spindler, 2019). However, while bio-based packaging may be seen as a "disruptive innovation", there is a lack of studies exploring the social and environmental implications of this product. For example, bioplastic packaging is hard to distinguish from its plastic counterpart, resulting in contamination and waste management issues at a municipal level (UNEP, 2015). As such, the adoption of this product becomes a "wicked problem" as it is seemingly impossible to solve due to the numerous interdependent factors that simultaneously impact solutions. To address this issue, four research partners consisting of UK, Canada, Brazil and Poland, will implement four collaborative social innovation labs. A social innovation methodology is critical to better understand how bio-based packaging innovation will impact the environment and diverse stakeholders across the supply chain, especially as it relates to food security, waste infrastructure, formal and informal waste collectors, consumers, vendors, food producers, and policy makers.
Organisations
- Coventry University (Lead Research Organisation)
- Simon Fraser University (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) (Collaboration)
- Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (Collaboration)
- Renewable Energy Association (REA) (Collaboration)
- Warsaw School of Economics (Collaboration)
- West Midlands Combined Authority (Collaboration)
- Garden Organic (Collaboration)
- University of Lodz (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Federal University of Sao Carlos (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) (Project Partner)
Publications
Anene D
(2025)
Microplastics and Chemical Additives from Disposable Face Masks: Environmental, Human Health and Behavioural Impacts
in Science of the Total Environment
Baskoro M
(2024)
Exploring the efficacy of ecolabels as a marketing strategy: Insights from the emerging bioplastic packaging market
in Business Strategy and the Environment
Baskoro M
(2023)
The imperative of communication signals in boosting business strategies of the bioplastic packaging industry
in Business Strategy and the Environment
Beltran M
(2021)
Food Plastic Packaging Transition towards Circular Bioeconomy: A Systematic Review of Literature
in Sustainability
Beltran, M.
(2023)
A Game-based Approach to Building a Sustainable Supply Chain
Li B
(2024)
Competing narratives inhibit a circular economy for bio-based plastic packaging: Insights from a social innovation lab study in Brazil, Canada, Poland and the UK
in Business Strategy and the Environment
Tiara A
(2025)
Leveraging Resource Management and Duality Theories to Strengthen Circular Economy Practices in the Waste-to-Energy Industry
in Business Strategy and the Environment
| Description | We have carried out interviews with the main stakeholders from the bioplastics supply chain and organised three social innovation labs to "unlock" the bioplastics supply chain to uptake bioplastics for certain products. We started with extensive research to understand the views of the main stakeholders of the Bioplastics supply chain. The priority was to understand the barriers and opportunities for the uptake of bioplastics products from the industry's main actors. The findings collected were presented in the first social innovation lab (March 2021) - Seeing the System. In this lab, the stakeholders discussed how the different processes in the bioplastic supply chain should be connected and which processes should be developed further. As outcomes of the first lab, initial solutions emerged from the participants to "unlock" the supply chain. The second social innovation lab - Designing Solutions (June 2021), proposed six streams of solutions: communication with consumers, end of life, policies, certification standards and labelling, education and development of specific products. Finally, the third social innovation lab (November 2021) - Prototyping Solutions, prototyped these solutions for specific products under certain scenarios. Participants representing a wide range of stakeholders, including producers, consumers, NGOs, waste management, government representatives, and important organisations part of the bioplastics packaging supply chain, participated over the three labs to hear from expert speakers and participate in workshop exercises. The third lab, delivered via Zoom and onsite (Coventry) - involved the participants in the discussion through break-out sessions and a scenario game. The scenario game created by the research team (incl PhD students) was used to facilitate the discussion for the uptake of different bioplastics products, i.e. coffee pods, food caddy liners, and ready meal trays, under different scenarios - business, as usual, climate change crisis, prolonged pandemic and economic crisis. Overall, the objectives of the research have been met. We are able to develop a better understanding of the different types of bioplastics and their supply chains. We have engaged with the main stakeholders and collaboratively identified their key challenges and barriers in the production, use, and end-of-life of bioplastic materials. Furthermore, we have contributed to the training of the research team applying social innovation lab methodologies. |
| Exploitation Route | Outcomes related to knowledge creation and dissemination can be found as follows: Coventry University media press: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/about-us/research-news/2021/coventry-university-leads-research-tackling-bioplastics-dilemma/ Coventry University blogs: http://blogs.coventry.ac.uk/researchblog/the-2nd-uk-simbio-social-innovation-lab-designing-solutions/ Coventry University blogs: https://blogs.coventry.ac.uk/researchblog/prototyping-solutions-for-bioplastics-interactive-social-innovation-lab-research-techniques-involving-scenario-games/ BBIA newsletter: https://bbia.org.uk/event/new-frontiers-in-social-innovation-research-social-innovation-management-for-bioplastics-simbio/ SIMBIO Research Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/simbio-research-project/ BBIA newsletter: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=98ac0ec9b49125f74fb3db572&id=2f0cffa52c https://www.simbioresearch.com/tag/coventry-university/ https://www.simbioresearch.com/prototyping-solutions-for-bioplastics-interactive-social-innovation-lab-research-techniques-involving-scenario-games/ https://www.simbioresearch.com/designing-solutions-report-uk/ https://www.simbioresearch.com/the-2nd-uk-simbio-social-innovation-lab-designing-solutions/ https://www.simbioresearch.com/an-explanation-of-biodegradable-and-compostable-polymer-materials-from-the-bbia/ https://www.simbioresearch.com/seeing-the-system-report-uk-report/ Food Plastic Packaging Transition towards Circular Bioeconomy: A Systematic Review of Literature - Coventry University https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/en/publications/food-plastic-packaging-transition-towards-circular-bioeconomy-a-s Seeing the System: Findings from the first UK SIMBIO Social Innovation Lab. Seeing the System: https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/files/41897821/SIMBIO1_v0.pdf Designing Solutions Report: Findings from the second UK SIMBIO Social Innovation Lab. Designing Solutions Report: https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/files/44371808/Designing_Solutions_Report_Second_SIMBIO_Lab.pdf The knowledge acquired so far and the stakeholder engagement through the three social innovation labs and in-depth interviews have helped the researchers to put in place detailed plans for the exploitation of the project outcomes. Stakeholder engagement through the bioplastics social innovation labs has driven collaboration between ADBA, WMCA, and SEVERN TRENT for the development and support of PhD research project to find local solutions for organic recycling (expected start: September 2022). The Garden Organic has invited the CU researchers to discuss further implications of Bioplastics for home composting in May 2022. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Communities and Social Services/Policy Environment |
| URL | https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/about-us/research-news/2021/coventry-university-leads-research-tackling-bioplastics-dilemma/ |
| Description | The final report, titled "Prototyping Solutions: Findings from the Third UK SIMBIO Social Innovation Lab - and SIMBIO project implications", released in October 2022, has shared its research outcomes. These outcomes enhance our understanding of the biobased biodegradable plastics system by devising and evaluating solutions alongside stakeholders in the bioplastic packaging supply chain. A simulation model that explores the possible resource configuration in building a sustainable biobased biodegradable plastics supply chain was also developed. This model is presented in an engaging cooperative board game format, designed to navigate through various crisis scenarios. The research also provided recommendations for industry actors within the bioplastic supply chain to develop multi-layered communication strategies and education campaigns for industry associations closely linked to bioplastics. One of the first engagement activities in terms of knowledge transfer was a workshop with the Garden Organic members to present the research findings and to discuss further impacts for them in terms of home composting of bioplastics materials. Garden Organic is a national charity with thousands of members who provide a range of courses and support for organic growing and composting programmes. In addition, as part of the knowledge transfer activities, the findings of this research have been used as part of an online course and a short course about the transitioning to a Circular Economy at Coventry University, taking a case example of SIMBIO. The latter was delivered on-site to 30 short-course delegates. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Communities and Social Services/Policy,Environment |
| Impact Types | Societal Policy & public services |
| Description | BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants scheme. An agent-based modelling simulation on nudging recycling behaviour for novel materials: A case study for bioplastics. |
| Amount | £8,450 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | SRG2223\231665 |
| Organisation | The British Academy |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2023 |
| End | 05/2024 |
| Description | Domestic Science Diplomacy to tackle plastic pollution: improving cooperation, negotiation and influences at the local and regional levels - QR Strategic Priorities Fund |
| Amount | £16,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2022 |
| End | 12/2022 |
| Description | GCRF Fully Funded Doctoral Studentship Scheme Advancing Research and Innovation at Coventry University |
| Amount | £100,047 (GBP) |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Department | Global Challenges Research Fund |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2021 |
| End | 11/2024 |
| Description | The Roles of Science Diplomacy in Combating Global Plastic Pollution - QR Strategic Priorities Fund |
| Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2021 |
| End | 06/2021 |
| Title | Serious Game - SIMBIO Game |
| Description | The SIMBIO Game was created as part of the Social Innovation Management for Bioplastics research project to study potential solutions for improving the bioplastics supply chain (BSC) in the UK from a (bio) circular economy point of view. The game comprises six components, including specific products, policy objectives (relevant UK and EU policies), resources, processes, what-if scenarios, and timelines. These components reflect the solutions offered by expert stakeholders for reconfiguring the BSC in the short, medium, and long term during previous research stages. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SG game helped the stakeholders prototype the BSC bio-packaging supply chain for compostable products. This was done by giving priority to downstream processes integrated with the biofuel and agriculture supply chains. Closed-loop business models were also prototyped including production, commercialization, and end-of-life. This was supported by normative regulations, communication, education of consumers, and investments at the end of life. |
| URL | https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/en/publications/a-game-based-approach-to-building-a-sustainable-su... |
| Description | ADBA studentship collaboration |
| Organisation | Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The main contribution of Coventry University (CU) researchers is the facilitation in the dialogue between the waste management sector (including representatives from the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association - ADBA) and bioplastics producers and consumer representatives facilitated by three social innovation labs organised by Coventry University researchers. Moreover, the development of a PhD studentship proposal aimed at filling the research gap identified for organic recycling at the local levels. The PhD research will focus on "Scenario-building to optimise organic recycling for Anaerobic Digestion (AD) at local levels". Please find more information in: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/research-studentships/anaerobic-digestion-ad-at-local-levels/ |
| Collaborator Contribution | ADBA representatives have contributed to the SIMBIO research in the different stages of the project through knowledge exchange and support of the PhD studentship in "Scenario-building to optimise organic recycling for Anaerobic Digestion (AD) at local levels". They have also committed continued support for the PhD research. |
| Impact | Increased understanding of the drivers and challenges for the uptake of bioplastics from the end-of-life point of view through the collaboration of an ADBA representative in phase 1 of the project "Research and Preparation". Creation of potential solutions for the uptake of bioplastics facilitated by the collaboration of an ADBA representative in phase 4, "Prototyping Potential Solutions". An ADBA representative presented the potential solutions and challenges for the uptake of bioplastics from the end of life point of view and prototyped solutions for specific products, along with other representatives of the bioplastics supply chain, in the third-social innovation lab organised at TechnoCentre in Coventry. PhD studentship awarded by Doctoral Training Alliance (DTA) to develop "Scenario-building to optimise organic recycling for Anaerobic Digestion (AD) at local levels". This multi-disciplinary research includes a supervisory team from CBIS (Centre of Business in Society) and CAWR (Centre from Agroecology, Water and Resilience) - Coventry University. The studentship will cover the tuition fees and bursary for a PhD student for three and a half years (Expected start: September 2022). |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association |
| Organisation | Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We provided a platform for different stakeholders to improve the circularity of the bioplastic material supply chain. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Technical assistance Knowledge transference Developing of presentation materials and presentation to the wider audience in the social innovation lab. |
| Impact | Stakeholder engagement through the first bioplastic social innovation lab and in-depth interviews |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Collaboration with Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) |
| Organisation | Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | ADBA is continuously looking for ways to improve its members' competitiveness. One of the perennial issues in AD is contamination caused by plastic caddy liners, which is closely related to bioplastics concerns. In July 2024, the Coventry research team attended the World Biogas Expo, coordinated by ADBA and the World Biogas Association. This turned out to be a critical platform for networking with industry practitioners, participating in expert-led discussions, and exploring potential project collaborations. This engagement led Coventry to join ADBA as a member in October 2024. As an ADBA member, the team will work with ADBA and various AD operators to address these challenges. Coventry will host the ADBA members' meeting in April 2025. |
| Collaborator Contribution | ADBA provides access to its members for conducting the case study research. They also offer technical advice and recommendations on areas for further research. At the ADBA National Conference, the Coventry research team was invited to participate in the Food Waste Working Group, which brought attention to a critical issue: bioplastics caddy liners are not always truly biodegradable, creating challenges for waste management systems. |
| Impact | Ongoing involvement with ADBA remains focused on addressing key sector challenges, contributing to discussions, and seeking solutions to enhance the sustainability of biogas and waste management practices. One of the important outputs from this collaboration is the increased capabilities of the research team members. Provision of access to ADBA members has contributed to improved know-how in tackling practical issues. This is invaluable. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Garden Organic |
| Organisation | Garden Organic |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Extending their coverage and knowledge about compostable products. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Stakeholder engagement through the first bioplastic social innovation |
| Impact | Extending their coverage and knowledge about compostable products. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | REA - The Association for Renewable Energy & Clean technology |
| Organisation | Renewable Energy Association (REA) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Stakeholder engagement through the first bioplastic social innovation lab and in-depth interviews |
| Collaborator Contribution | Knowledge transference (interviews) and presentation in the first social innovation lab |
| Impact | Knowledge transference, networking |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | TAP Canada, Poland, Brazil, UK |
| Organisation | Federal University of Sao Carlos |
| Country | Brazil |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We contributed to a systematic literature review of bioplastics and some interviews with stakeholders of bioplastics (these are ongoing). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Social Innovation labs method and preliminary investigation results in Canada, Poland and Brazil as a basis of comparison and complementary activities. |
| Impact | Systematic Literature Review; Social Innovation labs - ongoing |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | TAP Canada, Poland, Brazil, UK |
| Organisation | Simon Fraser University |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We contributed to a systematic literature review of bioplastics and some interviews with stakeholders of bioplastics (these are ongoing). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Social Innovation labs method and preliminary investigation results in Canada, Poland and Brazil as a basis of comparison and complementary activities. |
| Impact | Systematic Literature Review; Social Innovation labs - ongoing |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | TAP Canada, Poland, Brazil, UK |
| Organisation | University of Lodz |
| Country | Poland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We contributed to a systematic literature review of bioplastics and some interviews with stakeholders of bioplastics (these are ongoing). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Social Innovation labs method and preliminary investigation results in Canada, Poland and Brazil as a basis of comparison and complementary activities. |
| Impact | Systematic Literature Review; Social Innovation labs - ongoing |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | TAP Canada, Poland, Brazil, UK |
| Organisation | Warsaw School of Economics |
| Country | Poland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We contributed to a systematic literature review of bioplastics and some interviews with stakeholders of bioplastics (these are ongoing). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Social Innovation labs method and preliminary investigation results in Canada, Poland and Brazil as a basis of comparison and complementary activities. |
| Impact | Systematic Literature Review; Social Innovation labs - ongoing |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | West Midland Combined Authority (WMCA) studentship collaboration |
| Organisation | West Midlands Combined Authority |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | The main contribution of WMCA is the development of a PhD studentship proposal to the University Alliance's Doctoral Training Alliance - Future Societies, that aims to fill the research gap identified for organic recycling at local levels. Coventry University (CU) researchers identified that the precise and viable conditions under which organic collection and recycling can be established at local levels are unknown. Therefore, it is mutually beneficial for the West Midland Combined Authority (WMCA) and CU to study the relative importance of local factors shaping this socio-technical transition towards organic recycling. Please find more information in: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/research-studentships/anaerobic-digestion-ad-at-local-levels/ |
| Collaborator Contribution | WMCA contributed to developing and supporting the PhD studentship proposal to the University Alliance's Doctoral Training Alliance - Future Societies, entitled "Scenario-building to optimise organic recycling for Anaerobic Digestion (AD) at local levels" and has committed continued support for the PhD research as one of the partners. |
| Impact | PhD studentship has been awarded by Doctoral Training Alliance (DTA). This multi-disciplinary research includes a supervisory team from CBIS (Centre of Business in Society) and CAWR (Centre from Agroecology, Water and Resilience) - Coventry University. The studentship will cover the tuition fees and bursary for a PhD student for three and a half years (Expected start: September 2022). |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Title | SIMBIO serious game |
| Description | The SIMBIO Serious Game aims to examine the future of a sustainable bio-packaging supply chain (BSC). In particular, using the game we intend to build a better understanding of how BSC should cooperate, allocate resources, prioritise processes, and integrate with other supply chains to achieve sustainability. |
| Type Of Technology | Physical Model/Kit |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Impact | Our initial finding indicated that the SIMBIO Serious Game did facilitate the configuration of the BSC by prioritising the implementation of downstream processes (e.g., industrial composting) and closed-loop business models (i.e., production, commercialisation, and end-of-life are interconnected), as well as fostering short-term solutions towards a bridging technology to achieve the adoption of bio-packaging. In addition, under crisis scenarios (i.e., extended pandemic, climate change, and economic crisis), attention must be given to solutions that address local needs, downstream processes, and cost-effective bio-packaging. |
| Description | Becoming member of ADBA |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Various meetings and discussions with ADBA involving a PhD student, leading to visits to AD operators, attending conferences, and hosting the ADBA members meeting in Coventry, 30 April 2025. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Social Innovation Lab - Part 1 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Technological innovations in the form of biobased biodegradable plastics offer hope for the future. Still, many challenges across the supply chain need to be tackled before they can successfully be rolled out. SIMBIO project aims to develop social interventions which can identify and address the economic, social and political challenges of implementing packaging solutions based on biobased biodegradable plastics. SIMBIO will ensure a constructive dialogue between different stakeholders within bioplastic packaging supply chains; involving production, consumption and waste management. This process will facilitate the development of a pathway towards greater uptake of biobased and biodegradable options, and at the same time, the achievement of sustainability goals. The first of three Social Innovation labs was held on 4th March 2021, involving 40 participants representing a wide range of stakeholders in the bioplastics packaging supply chain. In the spirit of the times, the event used online technologies including Zoom and the interactive collaboration tool Miro to engage participants from Brazil, Canada, Poland, Indonesia, and the UK. The social Innovation lab is a method commonly used for solving complex social problems. The lab provides an avenue for multi-stakeholder groups to address a complex problem through sharing of participant's differing perspectives. It takes a whole systems approach and uses data-oriented evidence base for testing hypotheses, rigorous tracking and analysis. See: http://blogs.coventry.ac.uk/researchblog/social-innovation-lab-in-bioplastics-supply-chain/ |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/about-us/research-news/2021/coventry-university-leads-research-t... |
| Description | Social Innovation Lab - Part 2 - Designing Solutions |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | The second innovation lab was conducted online in June 2021 to define the leverage points to unlock the bioplastics supply chain and expand thinking on possible solutions. 25 participants were recruited. The workshop consisted of four parts; firstly, representatives of the supply chain discussed regulatory and consumer perspectives. Secondly, participants prioritised areas for solutions under "Thinking in Systems" concepts (Meadows, 2008). Thirdly, participants discussed the most "infuriating" plastics packaging they encounter in their daily lives and suggested ways to improve it. Lastly, the participants discussed how solutions would be implemented in the future. As a result of this workshop, cluster solutions were prioritised and forecasted Those cluster solutions were the starting point for the implementation of the next phase of the research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://blogs.coventry.ac.uk/researchblog/the-2nd-uk-simbio-social-innovation-lab-designing-solution... |
| Description | Social Innovation Lab - Part 3 - Prototyping Solutions |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | The third social innovation lab was conducted online and onsite in November 2021 to test and prototype solutions that emerged from previous workshops to unlock the bioplastics supply chain. The lab recruited 49 participants and was organised in three parts. First, supply chain representatives shared their views on the solutions. Second, participants evaluated the solutions considering feasibility, practicality and impact. Third, a serious game was conducted for implementing specific compostable products (i.e. ready meal trays, coffee pods, and food caddy liners). Solutions from previous workshops were considered as resources in this game. As a result, cluster solutions from the previous workshops were applied to the development of specific bio-packaging products. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://blogs.coventry.ac.uk/researchblog/prototyping-solutions-for-bioplastics-interactive-social-i... |