Microplastic-free green composites as single-use plastic alternatives

Lead Applicant: Amar Mohanty

Research Priority: Trade, Market & Targeted Sector Growth Opportunities

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2024/2025

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: This project builds upon ground-breaking cellulosic-plastic-based-green-composites for urgently needed single-use plastic alternatives that will satisfy single-use plastics prohibition regulations (SUPPR) and cause no micro-plastic pollution. The newly discovered biocomposites will be affordable with inexpensive Ontario agro-food residues, soil biodegradable, industrial compostable, home compostable and marine biodegradable. Paper-based alternatives have a four times higher carbon footprint, more-resource and waste-intensive compared to fossil-based plastics. This project will induce a ground-breaking scenario for the packaging industries to reduce plastic waste by creating universally biodegradable plastics, especially for single-use applications where recycling is not practical or economical. The challenge is to find low-cost and environmentally friendly alternatives without compromising performance. The aim is to innovate and commercialize cutlery, plates and small-format rigid packaging. More importantly, innovative green composites will be free from polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), contamination found in plastic and paper-based packaging.