Dr. Imogen Napper is no ordinary scientist. Dubbed a “plastic detective,” her pioneering research has uncovered hidden threats, from the millions of microbeads lurking in a single bottle of facial scrub to the microfibres escaping our washing machines. As a National Geographic Explorer and Sky Ocean Rescue Scholar, she has turned groundbreaking discoveries into global action, including bans on microplastics in over 40 countries.
In this interview, Dr. Napper reveals the childhood beach days that shaped her passion, the surprising ways art and sport can foster ocean conservation, and the challenges of tackling one of the most versatile yet destructive materials on the planet. She shares how visiting communities in Mozambique opened her eyes to the power of connection, and how small, everyday changes – like picking up litter or choosing better products – can inspire massive ripple effects.
Whether she’s advocating for washing machine filters or imagining how pop culture could weave in environmental messages, Dr. Napper’s blend of science, passion, and creativity is a call to action for us all. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and ready to make a difference.
What first drew you into researching plastic pollution?
I grew up in a seaside town called Clevedon, which is near Bristol in the UK. Our beaches are rocky and look over the estuary onto Newport in Wales. Some days it can look like a tropical paradise and others like a stormy, gloomy and uninviting coastline. I spent a lot of my childhood around the beach, watching how it changes throughout the year. However, I never remember any plastic pollution on the beaches around my hometown when I was growing up. Since then, I’ve found this to have completely changed. There are regular beach cleaning groups and community discussions about the rise in litter. When speaking to others, I also hear similar thoughts. It’s overwhelming to think how much has changed in just our lifetimes. I’ve always loved asking questions and investigating the answers, and it’s such a privilege to be able to that for a topic I care so much about.
Could you tell us more about your new fellowship?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to be working on a Churchill Fellowship over the last few months. During this fellowship I’m investigating ‘ocean-connection’, with a specific aim to look at how we can bring the ocean to people in different ways; such as art, music, sport etc. I’m passionate that by bringing the ocean to people, it will lead into action for ocean conservation. This has been a broad project that has opened my eyes to a variety of new research disciplines and shown me the power of transdisciplinary science. I was able to join an organisation called Love the Oceans in Mozambique who are doing incredible work within local communities teaching swimming lessons. With that increased water confidence, it then creates access further to ocean learning.
Your research has revealed the often-hidden paths of plastic pollution. Could you share an unexpected finding that surprised you the most?
My first big, unexpected finding was actually my first research project during my PhD. We were looking into microbeads in facial scrubs. Microbeads are tiny plastic particles that were put facial scrubs to act as exfoliators to make our skin nice and smooth. However, these can get washed off our face, go down the sink and drain, flushing potentially into our oceans. No one had done any research before looking into how many plastic particles could be in one bottle, so we decided to investigate! We found up to 3 million plastic particles could be in bottle of facial scrub. Thousands potentially on a squirt on your hand. This showed me how research can be a catalyst to create change by giving evidence, and now microbeads are banned in over 40 countries!
What are some practical, everyday actions you believe can significantly reduce plastic pollution?
Making any change in your life to reduce your plastic footprint can build up overtime to make a surprising difference. It can be as simple as changing your facial scrub so it doesn’t contain microbeads. Personally, I think the best action we can each do is taking ownership of the problem locally and cleaning up our act. If you see litter on the floor, and it is safe to do so, pick it up and put it in the bin. Those that see you will follow in your footsteps and be inspired to do the same.
What are the biggest challenges in encouraging both individuals and corporations to reduce plastic waste?
Money is unfortunately at the centre of the challenges with plastic pollution. Environmental products often have a higher price tag, limiting those who can’t afford it. Investing in solutions, especially technological ones can be costly. Reducing our plastic footprint overall will make less profit for plastic manufactures and reduce the need for oil (as oil is the main source of plastic production), so many industries continue to drive production.
- Money will always be an element, as plastic is such a versatile material that can produce so many items cheaply for us. However, we need a whole system refresh. We need to put a price on the amount of waste created and environmental damage from plastic. We need to make less and assess what is essential.
Working in environmental research can be challenging. What motivates you to keep pushing forward, even when progress may seem slow?
I’m constantly motivated by the growth in people becoming passionate about the ocean and wanting to protect it. A lovely example of this is when I go into schools to do workshops, and I often find the kids start teaching me about the ocean, why they love it and why we need to protect it. We are growing an environmental army of people who are wanting to make a change. I’m also a terrible but enthusiastic surfer. So, getting into the ocean to go surfing for me is a perfect reminder of why ocean conservation is so important. It’s that feeling that the ocean bigger than ourselves. That always gives me a big push on the low days.
Looking ahead, what new technologies or methods are you most excited about in the fight against plastic pollution?
I am literally writing this one day before the INC-5 Plastic Pollution discussion in Busan, Korea. This is a globally binding treaty that is focussed on creating a pathway to stop plastic pollution across the whole life cycle of plastic (from oil extraction, manufacturing, disposal and everything between). All eyes and ears will be on that discussion next week.
For a technology I’m excited about, it would be the potential of having washing machine filters aimed at capturing plastic microfibres when we wash our clothes. A large majority of the clothes we buy are plastic, such as polyester or acrylic. About 60% of our wardrobe is plastic clothing. However, we found that when we wash our clothes, up to 700,000 plastic fibres could be released per clothes wash and can potentially (similar to the microbeads) flush into our oceans. Then in some follow up research, we found that filters aimed at stopping the fibres can be up to 70% effective. France has announced that all new washing machines will have to have a filter by 2025, but we need to ensure that they are independently tested for effectiveness and consumers know how to correctly use them.
The one plastic item you’d ban in a heartbeat?
I’d take a look at all single use plastic and think “do we really need this” and “is there an alternative”. We have just been so conditioned to allow plastic to seep into all areas of our lives as it is so accessible and cheap to buy. Governments need to be bold about banning more single use plastic items, ensuring that those that need them continue to have access to them or alternatives (such as straws which many disabled or elderly use).
Also, plastic glitter! Years and years ago, some glitter exploded in my makeup bag and I still find bits to this day. The pieces are just so small and I never considered them to be plastic! And I’m not being a party pooper as there are plastic free alternatives now which is fantastic, but make sure you look out for the plastic ones as they are still widely available.
Plastic in Pop Culture: If you could insert a “plastic pollution” awareness message into any popular movie, song, or TV show, which one would it be, and what would the message say?
Shamelessly, because I love Finding Nemo (speaking for all marine scientist here), I’d create a sequel that has a plastic pollution angle. I imagine it would get a lot of people talking, especially kids! Although, I’d hope that it would have a happy ending…
“Plastic Wishlist”: Is there a brand you love but wish would improve its plastic packaging or adopt a more sustainable lifecycle? Something that, with just a few eco-upgrades, we could all enjoy guilt-free?
My vice is that I love clothes, and I have realllllly had to put the brakes on to reduce what I am buying. I often feel like I need new clothes, so it is hard to get out of that mindset. There are a few companies popping up where you can rent clothes, which is perfect for weddings or other big events. I wish that clothing companies would explore this more, so rather than buying clothing, you could rent it for a period of time and then give it back. This would be a push to end fast fashion, which can often feel like single-use plastic but for clothes.
