Program Overview

Introduction to the Plastics Circular Economy Micro-Credential Program

The Plastics Circular Economy Micro-Credential Program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the circular plastics economy, including the identification and characterization of plastic waste, the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in plastic sortation, and the systems-level approach to plastic circularity.

Overview

Duration

The program consists of 5 badges, each requiring 15 hours of online learning sessions over a period of 6 weeks.

Format

The program is offered in an online format, with optional in-person activities and virtual alternatives.

Price

The cost of the program varies depending on the number of badges purchased:

• Individual Badge: $1,500
• 3-Badges (Silver Belt): $3,600
• 4-Badges (Gold Belt): $4,400
• 5-Badges (Platinum Belt): $5,000

Deadline

The deadlines for each badge are as follows:

• Badge 1: January 30, 2026
• Badge 2: March 31, 2026
• Badge 3: June 30, 2026
• Badge 4: September 30, 2026
• Badge 5: November 30, 2026

Why this Credential?

The Plastics Circular Economy Micro-Credential Program is designed to provide participants with the skills and knowledge required to understand the circular plastics economy, including the identification and characterization of plastic waste, the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in plastic sortation, and the systems-level approach to plastic circularity.

Who Should Enroll?

This program is suitable for:

• Scientists, engineers, and technicians from the chemical, materials, and waste management industries who wish to increase their knowledge of the plastics circular economy
• Individuals with a B.S. degree in science, engineering, or technology (or higher)

Curriculum

Badge 1: Introduction to Plastics Circular Economy

Learning Objectives

• Understand the basic principles of current plastic recycling processes
• Learn about the circular economy and how it differs from a linear economy
• Understand how waste is currently processed by materials recovery facilities
• Learn about the current uses of recycled plastics and the impacts of plastic waste on the environment

Learning Sessions

• Introduction to Plastic Recycling
• Definition/Models Circular Economy
• Waste Classification, Handling
• Supply Chain and Safety
• Environmental Impacts, Microplastics
• Public Policy Framework
• Regulatory Framework
• Community Outreach
• Intro to LCA/TEA

Badge 2: Polymer Taxonomy and Recovered Material Identification

Learning Objectives

• Understand how polymers are classified and produced
• Learn about the connection between polymer production and intended use
• Understand how polymers can be identified in sorting and separation processes used in materials recovery and recycling facilities

Learning Sessions

• Polymer Taxonomy
• Overview of Separations and Sorting Process
• Chemical Spectroscopy for Sortation
• Identification of Plastics Waste through Imaging
• AI/ML Methods for enhancing Sortation
• Identification and Characterization of Marine and Microplastics
• Identification and Characterization of Plastics in Soil
• Hands-on Demonstration of Plastic Identification

Badge 3: Measurements and Characterization Tools for Circular Plastics

Learning Objectives

• Understand the different types and forms of plastics and how they govern their usage
• Learn about the essential physical properties of plastics and how they enable their use and impact their recycling efficacy
• Understand the characterization tools used for exploring these properties

Learning Sessions

• Types and Uses of Plastics
• Polymer Processing
• Morphology and Structure-Property Features
• Rheology and Flow and Impact on Structure/Processing
• Thermal and Mechanical Properties and Impact on Use
• Films (including multi-layer)
• Advanced Characterization Tools
• Hands-on Demonstration of Characterization Tools

Badge 4: New Frontier of Polymer Recycling and Reuse

Learning Objectives

• Understand the next frontier of recycling and methods that go beyond traditional mechanical recycling practices

Learning Sessions

• Enhanced Mechanical Recycling
• Chemical Recycling
• Pyrolysis/Gasification
• Physical Recycling
• Upcycling
• Compostable Plastics
• Design for Reuse

Badge 5: Valuation, Life Cycle Analysis, and Technoeconomic Analysis

Learning Objectives

• Understand valuation principles and business models that govern the use of waste plastics in products
• Learn about life cycle and technoeconomic assessments that govern the environmental impact of plastics and their recycling processes

Learning Sessions

• Systems Level Analyses
• Valuation of Waste Plastics
• Business Models and Case Studies for Plastic Circularity
• Environment, Social, and Governance
• Life Cycle Analysis
• Technoeconomic Analysis
• LCA/TEA Case Studies

Schedule

• Badge 1: February - March, 2026
• Badge 2: April - May, 2026
• Badge 3: July - August, 2026
• Badge 4: October - November, 2026
• Badge 5: January - February, 2027

What You Will Earn

Upon completion of the program, participants will be awarded micro-credential badges, which can be added to their resume and LinkedIn profile.

Instructors

The program is taught by a team of experienced instructors from the University of Houston, including:

• Megan Robertson, Ph.D., Professor, Chemical Engineering
• Debalina Sengupta, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Energy Transition Institute
• Joe Powell, Ph.D., Aspire Shell Endowed Chair and Executive Director for Energy Transition Institute, Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Anil Bhowmick, Ph.D., Research Professor, Rubber Science and Technology
• Gail Buttorff, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, Hobby School of Public Affairs, Associate Director, Center for Public Policy
• Sribala Gorugantu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering
• Tracy Hester, J.D., Instructional Professor of Law, Co-Director, Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Law Center, Founding Co-Director, CCME
• Alamgir Karim, Ph.D., Dow Chair and Welch Foundation Professor, Director, International Polymer & Soft Matter Center
• Meng Li, Ph.D., Professor, Founding Director, Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute
• Stacey Louie, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Pablo Pinto, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, Hobby School of Public Affairs, Director, Center for Public Policy
• Scott Trenor, Ph.D., Technical Director, The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)
• Mary Ellen Ternes, B.E (ChE), J.D., Partner, Earth & Water Law, LLC
• Jagos Radovic, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, Director of Center for Petroleum Geochemistry (UH-CPG)
• Scott Coye-Huhn, Vice President, Energy, Biomaterials & Circularity, SCS Global Services
• Justin Bower, Director, Community & Environmental Planning, Houston-Galveston Area Council
• Jenny Oakley, Ph.D., Senior Water Resources Scientist, Houston-Galveston Area Council
• Kalyan Sehanobish, Ph.D., Director, Materials & Adhesives Research Services (MARS)