At OSRL, we’re dedicated to building our expertise in dealing with preparedness and response to plastic nurdle spills, by drawing on practical experiences, exploring emerging response technology and collaborating with leading researchers in the field of plastic pollution.
As part of this commitment, we've been supporting two research projects at the University of Portsmouth's Centre for Enzyme Innovation, exploring whether biological processes could play a role in the degradation of plastic nurdles. Most recently, a Masters student project investigated naturally occurring proteins identified in waxworm saliva and their potential to break down the nurdles. The research found that, while some activity was observed, the proteins were unlikely to provide a practical solution for large-scale polyethylene degradation.
While negative results are not always the outcomes we hope for, they are just as valuable. Independent scientific research helps distinguish promising concepts from solutions that are genuinely viable at scale.
The University of Portsmouth project findings will help inform a new PhD project due to begin in October 2026 at the University of Nottingham, supported by OSRL and wider industry technical experts. The PhD will continue to explore novel approaches to understanding and addressing plastic nurdle pollution and explore new techniques to mitigate their environmental impact.
Alongside supporting academic research, we are continuing to develop practical guidance for industry. Late last year, we published our Plastic Pellets Clean-up Field Guide, providing responders and stakeholders with operational guidance to improve preparedness and response to plastic pellet spills.
We're also contributing to the wider industry conversation at Spill Asia 2026, where our own Bronwyn Lee will present research examining current gaps in plastic pellet spill preparedness and response. The work highlights opportunities to strengthen planning, response capabilities, and knowledge-sharing across the sector as awareness of plastic pellet pollution continues to grow globally.
We’ll be attending Spill Asia with several speakers from OSRL, sharing lessons learned, supporting industry collaboration, and helping advance preparedness for both traditional and emerging spill risks. Alongside Bronwyn’s presentation on plastic pellet pollution, speakers from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment in South Africa and ITOPF will also contribute to the discussion.
During the event, we will be hosting a one-day OSRL Forum alongside Ipieca and IOGP on 24 September. This forum will focus specifically on the regional needs of the oil and gas industry, where expectations for spill preparedness and response are high.
Through a series of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, participants will examine lessons from past incidents and identify opportunities to strengthen shared resilience in an increasingly complex environment.
