Colin Hill

Colin Hill’s thesis has the working title, ‘Unveiling the Wasteful Relationship: The Complexities of Single-Use Coffee Cups and Plastic Materials’ and is due for submission this autumn. He intercalated for a period due to a parental support need. The thesis investigates the social factors affecting the social and business acceptability of new chemistries for recyclable containers, with a case study in paper cups used in the coffee industry – Starbucks, Costa and the like. This research has been undertaken in tandem with Pip Catchpole’s research on new chemistries (her thesis being awarded 01/08/2023). Colin examines the balance between changing function enabled through new chemistry and changes in social practice that would enable those chemistries to be cost effective and to produce ecologically justifiable recyclable practices. The research has been published and presented at three international social studies of science and technology conferences and presented at regional events. His thesis research has led him to being appointed the Sustainability Learning Manager at the Environment Agency in England.