Tracey Read

My research focuses on sustainable materials, plastics and waste management, with a particular interest in how materials behave in real-world environmental and waste-management systems. I work across materials science and social science to understand pathways towards more sustainable and circular systems.

My research interests include:

• Biodegradable and compostable plastics, including their environmental degradation and behaviour under aquatic and composting conditions
• Plastic pollution and waste management, including healthcare waste and opportunities for circular economy approaches
• Sustainable materials and circular economy, with a focus on practical pathways for reducing waste and improving resource recovery
• Marine and coastal environments, including the environmental impacts of plastics and materials used in coastal and marine activities
• Indonesia–Australia research collaboration, particularly research on plastic waste management and environmental challenges

I undertake interdisciplinary and collaborative research with academic, industry, government and community partners. My work includes field-based research, laboratory analysis, stakeholder engagement and research translation, with a focus on generating evidence that can inform policy, practice and the development of more sustainable materials and waste-management systems.

Keywords: biodegradable plastics; compostable plastics; plastic pollution; waste management; circular economy; sustainable materials; marine plastics; environmental degradation; healthcare waste; Indonesia; interdisciplinary research; research translation.