Grantee Research Project Results
Elimination of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) problems upon the disposal of single-use packaging
EPA Grant Number: SU840402Title: Elimination of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) problems upon the disposal of single-use packaging
Investigators: Rabnawaz, Muhammad
Institution: Michigan State University
EPA Project Officer: Spatz, Kyle
Phase: I
Project Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 (Extended to December 30, 2023)
Project Amount: $24,991
RFA: 18th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2021) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Objective:
The aim of this P3 project is to develop a planet-friendly coated paper for single-use packaging applications. This work will be directed toward addressing two key challenges, namely the proliferation of microplastics and PFAS in the environment that are stemming from single-use packaging. Non-biodegradable single-use plastic and plastic-coated paper are widely used in packaging owing to their desirable water and oil resistance. However, they are the leading sources of microplastics in the ocean because of their non-biodegradable plastic/coating materials. These microplastics pose a threat to human and environmental health. Similarly, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in packaging such as food wrappers and molded fiber containers due to their excellent water and oil resistance. However, PFAS are highly persistent in the environment, and most of these materials are toxic, thus they have become a threat to human and environmental health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find safe and viable alternatives to the existing plastics and PFAS-coated paper.
Approach:
This Phase I project will use a unique dual-layer approach for creating excellent water- and oil-resistant packaging materials that do not create microplastics or PFAS at the end of their service lives. First, desirable biodegradable polymers will be prepared. These materials will then be applied onto paper as a coating via our innovative dual-layer approach. The properties of the obtained dual-layer-coated paper will then be thoroughly evaluated via various methods, such as long-term water and oil repellency, physicomechanical, and thermal sealing tests.
Expected Results:
Phase I efforts will focus on the fabrication of water- and oil-resistant paper that meets the market performance requirements while being free from PFAS and microplastics issues. The output of this work will be included in the Phase I report to the EPA as well as in the Phase II proposal. In addition, the journal publications from this work will be submitted to the EPA upon the completion of Phase I. During Phase II, the approach will be scaled up to the pilot plant scale.
Supplemental Keywords:
microplastic-free, packaging, PFAS-free, environment, food containersProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.