Vision and Mission
The Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP) transforms how plastics are made, unmade, and remade through innovative research, engaging education, and diverse partnerships that together foster environmental stewardship. CSP participants pursue basic polymer science research aimed at developing new, practical chemistries, polymers, processes, and technologies that embrace sustainability. We carry out our research stressing the principles of green chemistry to help protect the environment and ensure that future generations will be able to meet their societal needs.
Collaborations formed among people with varied views, perspectives, and backgrounds enhance the experiences within the CSP and also form the foundation for creative and innovative solutions to grand challenges in the field. We embrace an atmosphere of mutual respect that is free from prejudice and intolerance and work to increase the engagement of historically marginalized communities in STEM fields.
CSP History
Founded in 2009 at the University of Minnesota, the Center for Sustainable Polymers has built capacity and infrastructure to advance research at the intersection of sustainability and polymer science. Various grants, notably the NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation program, as well as a wide variety of supporting organizational partners have transformed our research efforts. The work today continues to build on this strong foundation to address the environmental crisis of plastic pollution.
“The CSP has demonstrated how the pursuit of basic research can lead to innovative new technologies that benefit society. Join us in supporting a sustainable plastics future.”
- Prof. Marc Hillmyer, CSP Director