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Virginia Tech researchers are committed to creating environmentally sustainable plastics that will benefit people, companies, waste management systems, and communities worldwide. Led by Wang from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering, the team is working with experts and students to purify polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and create high-value bioplastic products.

According to Young Kim from the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, bioplastic is a viable option to combat increased plastic pollution and improve sustainability. The team’s focus on biodegradable products, such as home compostable packaging, has gained popularity due to its environmentally friendly nature.

Student researchers like Chen Shin, a senior in packaging and system design, are working on creating single-layer film that could potentially replace traditional coated paper products with PHA. These traditional products are often coated with non-degradable materials like polyethylene or polyactic acid, which contribute to plastic pollution.

Joining the project has been a career highlight for students like Chloe Taylor, a senior in sustainable biomaterials, who plans to pursue graduate studies inspired by the project’s mission to create sustainable bioplastics. The project is funded by a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Virginia Tech’s research aims to create bioplastics that can be used in everyday products without harming the environment, thus contributing to a more sustainable future for the planet.

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