Grant: Alliance Grants
University of Northern British Columbia
$199,311.00
Production of Sustainable Bio-based Foam Beads
FY 2024-25
Summary
Our project is tackling a significant environmental issue: the pollution caused by single-use plastics, and the lack of sustainable alternatives, especially in packaging sector. With a focus on the seafood industry, we are developing a green alternative to Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS), commonly used for shipping fresh fish. This type of plastic, while practical, contributes to the growing problem of plastic waste, harming our oceans, climate, and health. In a partnership between the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and Browns Bay Packing, we are not just aiming to create a more sustainable option for packaging but also to demonstrate how such innovations can lead to substantial environmental benefits. Our goal is to replace styrofoam packaging, which aligns with Canada's commitment to becoming a "zero-plastic waste" nation by 2030 and supports important collaborations with international partners (e.g. the G7 and G8) to reduce plastic waste. This effort supports the strong desire among Canadians for more eco-friendly packaging solutions, as highlighted by a recent survey showing nearly 94% of respondents are motivated to reduce their use of single-use plastics.
Developing a viable alternative to EPS foam presents challenges, including performance issues, cost competitiveness, environmental impact, and adherence to food safety regulations. This approach aims to improve its mechanical properties and biodegradability while making it more cost-effective.
The anticipated outcomes of this research include: 1. Raising awareness about the harmful impacts of EPS and encouraging the adoption of sustainable alternatives. 2. Providing environmental, economic, and social benefits for Canada and Canadians, including reduced waste and pollution. 3. Supporting the Salish First Nations communities and others on Vancouver Island by promoting sustainability in aquaculture and creating job opportunities. 4. Generating new technical knowledge on bioplastic materials for food packaging, offering an eco-friendly substitute to conventional plastics.
Program
Alliance Grants
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
592371-2023
Name nom
Kazemian, Hossein H
Department département
Environment Sciences Program
Organization id
3
Institution établissement
University of Northern British Columbia
Province en
British Columbia
Province fr
Colombie-Britannique
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2024
Competition year année de concours
2023
Award amount
199311
Program id
ALLRP
Program name en
Alliance Grants
Program name fr
Subventions Alliance
Group en
RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
Group fr
PARTENARIATS DE RECHERCHE
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
500
Area of application group en
Manufacturing processes and products
Area of application group fr
Procédés et produits industriels
Area of application en
Manufacturing processes and products
Area of application fr
Procédés et produits industriels
Research subject code
7000
Research subject group en
Other studies in natural sciences and engineering
Research subject group fr
Autres études en sciences naturelles et en génie
Research subject en
Other studies in natural sciences and engineering
Research subject fr
Autres études en sciences naturelles et en génie
Field of research list names en
Not available
Field of research list names fr
Non disponible
Socioeconomic objective list names en
Not available
Socioeconomic objective list names fr
Non disponible
Application title
Production of Sustainable Bio-based Foam Beads
Keywords
biodegredability; bioplastics; biopolymers formulation; compostability; expanded polystyrofoam; foaming; material science; packaging solutions; plastic replacement; sustainability
Application summary
Our project is tackling a significant environmental issue: the pollution caused by single-use plastics, and the lack of sustainable alternatives, especially in packaging sector. With a focus on the seafood industry, we are developing a green alternative to Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS), commonly used for shipping fresh fish. This type of plastic, while practical, contributes to the growing problem of plastic waste, harming our oceans, climate, and health. In a partnership between the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and Browns Bay Packing, we are not just aiming to create a more sustainable option for packaging but also to demonstrate how such innovations can lead to substantial environmental benefits. Our goal is to replace styrofoam packaging, which aligns with Canada's commitment to becoming a "zero-plastic waste" nation by 2030 and supports important collaborations with international partners (e.g. the G7 and G8) to reduce plastic waste. This effort supports the strong desire among Canadians for more eco-friendly packaging solutions, as highlighted by a recent survey showing nearly 94% of respondents are motivated to reduce their use of single-use plastics.
Developing a viable alternative to EPS foam presents challenges, including performance issues, cost competitiveness, environmental impact, and adherence to food safety regulations. This approach aims to improve its mechanical properties and biodegradability while making it more cost-effective.
The anticipated outcomes of this research include: 1. Raising awareness about the harmful impacts of EPS and encouraging the adoption of sustainable alternatives. 2. Providing environmental, economic, and social benefits for Canada and Canadians, including reduced waste and pollution. 3. Supporting the Salish First Nations communities and others on Vancouver Island by promoting sustainability in aquaculture and creating job opportunities. 4. Generating new technical knowledge on bioplastic materials for food packaging, offering an eco-friendly substitute to conventional plastics.
