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  Assessing environmental trade-offs in packaging systems for infant formula delivery: A cradle-to-gate plus end-of-life life cycle assessment

  Published on April 25, 2024
  An LCA study was conducted comparing three packaging systems to deliver infant formula, including primary (plastic, composite, and steel containers) and secondary and tertiary packaging levels, all manufactured and distributed in North America.

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  Speeding it up: dual effects of biostimulants and iron on the biodegradation of poly(lactic acid) at mesophilic conditions

  Published on February 24, 2024
  Biodegradation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in compost and environments enriched with iron, gelatin, skim milk, and ethyl lactate under moderate temperature conditions. Introducing iron and gelatin significantly accelerates PLA biodegradation.

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  Accelerating Biodegradation: Enhancing Poly(lactic acid) Breakdown at Mesophilic Environmental Conditions with Biostimulants

  Published on February 24, 2024
  Including gelatin, skim milk, and ethyl lactate in the compost helps improve the protease activity and stimulates the activity of lactate utilizing microorganisms, thus improving the biodegradation rate of PLA at mesophilic temperatures.

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  Unlocking the secrets of high-water barrier stereocomplex polylactide blend extrusion films

  Published on February 24, 2024
  Stereocomplex polylactide (sc-PLA) films were produced without using a masterbatch, including varieties with PLLA/PDLA ratios of 85/15, 70/30, 50/50, and 30/70. Blended and annealed films show a reduced moisture barrier by a factor of 2.5 to 6.

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  Hydrolytic Degradation of Poly(lactic acid): Unraveling Correlations between Temperature and the Three Phase Structures

  Published on September 23, 2023
  This work investigates the hydrolysis kinetics of PLA films as affected by the degree of crystallinity and temperatures by considering the three-phase model structures (i.e., mobile amorphous, rigid amorphous, and crystalline).

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  PPWR2: Optimizing Packaging Systems' Safety for Reuse and Recycling in Compliance with the New Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

  Published on September 11, 2023
  The new PPWR is a cornerstone of the European Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan. All packaging in the EU will need to adapt to these regulations starting in 2025. Join us for the 2nd Symposium on Packaging Materials Supply Chain Safety.

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  MSU School of Packaging researchers make a sustainable plastic more compostable

  Published on August 4, 2023
  Researchers led by Rafael Auras in the Michigan State University School of Packaging have shown how to make a bio-based polymer compostable in both home and industrial settings.

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  Breaking It Down: How Thermoplastic Starch Enhances Poly(lactic acid) Biodegradation in Compost─A Comparative Analysis of Reactive Blends

  Published on June 29, 2023
  Blending PLA with thermoplastic starch promotes sustainable biodegradation of PLA under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions without creating microplastics.

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  Boosting Degradation of Biodegradable Polymers

  Published on January 26, 2023
  Compostability certification of polymers is time-consuming and expensive. Approaches to accelerating the biodegradation of these polymers in simulated composting conditions can facilitate and speed up evaluating potential compostable polymers.

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  Mapping class learning outcomes of the core curriculum to university learning goals at Michigan State University's School of Packaging

  Published on January 4, 2023
  Class learning outcomes supporting the interdisciplinary curriculum of the School of Packaging at Michigan State University (MSU) were mapped to competency-based, programmatic learning outcomes undergirded by broad learning goals of the University.

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  The effect of alcoholic solutions on the thermomechanical properties of immersed poly(lactic acid) films

  Published on December 1, 2022
  The effects of aqueous and deuterium oxide (D2O) solutions of alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, and 1-butanol) on the thermomechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)—PLA—films were assessed by dynamic mechanical analysis.

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  Biodegradation of Biodegradable Polymers in Mesophilic Aerobic Environments

  Published on October 12, 2022
  Biodegradable polymers derived from bio- and fossil-based sources have emerged as one feasible alternative to overcome inconveniences associated with the use and disposal of non-biodegradable polymers.

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  Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging: from Design to End of Life

  Published on September 28, 2022
  Our book “Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging: from Design to End of Life” has been published.

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  Nutritious mushroom protein crisp – healthy alternative to starchy snack

  Published on March 4, 2022
  A method of producing and testing mushrooms protein crisps (MPC), a healthy alternative to conventional starchy snacks that are rich in protein, nutraceutical compounds, minerals, vitamin, dietary fiber, and immunity inducing beta-glucans.

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  Teaching Philosophy

  Published on March 3, 2022
  Think of your footprint: inspiring students to be lifelong learners and be passionate about their packaging profession

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  Morphological, barrier, thermal, and rheological properties of high-pressure treated co-extruded polylactide films and the suitability for food packaging

  Published on March 3, 2022
  Coextruded polylactide films were tested in high-pressure system.

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  MSU School of Packaging receives grants to develop two new processes to recycle and reuse plastics

  Published on July 9, 2021
  The Rabnawaz Research Team is developing new processes for bottle-to-bottle recycling and a responsible solution to reuse mixed plastic waste.

• Developing biodegradable plastics to reduce negative environmental impacts

  Published on February 14, 2017
  Conventional plastic can take over 1,000 years to degrade. Rafael Auras believes this can be solved through biodegradable and compostable materials.

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  Packaging Researcher Honored

  Published on July 13, 2010
  Rafael Auras received the 2009-2010 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Excellence in Teaching: New Teacher Award.