On Monday, 27 April 2026, Dr Melanie Walther, head of the junior research group "EcoPBS" funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), was a guest at the Casablanca cinema in Oldenburg. As part of the film series "Alles Utopie? Films for Future" film series, which takes place in co-operation with the Ecumenical Centre Oldenburg, the documentary "Plastic Fantastic" was shown and discussed afterwards.
The film series is dedicated to key questions about the future: How do we want to live in the future and what options do we have to shape a sustainable and socially acceptable society? "Plastic Fantastic" addresses these questions in an impressive way and sheds light on the global plastic crisis from different perspectives - from production and consumption to recycling and disposal.
In the subsequent film discussion, Dr Walther contributed her scientific expertise from the field of chemistry and put the challenges presented in the film into perspective. Among the topics discussed were the low recycling rate of plastics, the spread of (micro)plastics in the environment and organisms and the role of the plastics industry in the area of conflict between economic growth and ecological responsibility.
The focus was also on possible solutions: What realistic alternatives to conventional plastics already exist? What role can innovative materials, bio-based approaches and a functioning circular economy play? And to what extent are social changes in consumer behaviour necessary in order to achieve a long-term reduction in plastic waste?
The event impressively demonstrated the importance of dialogue between science, the public and civil society stakeholders. The great interest and lively discussion following the film underlined the relevance of the topic and made it clear that the transformation towards a more sustainable future can only succeed together.
By participating in the film series, the Institute of Chemistry at the Carl von Ossietzkx University of Oldenburg is making an important contribution to the public debate on environmental and sustainability issues and strengthening the knowledge transfer between research and society.
more about the research of Dr Melanie Walther: "EcoPBS"
more about the film series "Alles Utopie? Films for Future": "Everything Utopia?"