Grantee Research Project Results
Elimination of Microplastics and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Problems Upon the Disposal of Single-Use Packaging
EPA Grant Number: SV840833Title: 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: Callan, Richard
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 2024 through April 22, 2025
Project Amount: $99,998
RFA: 18th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet Phase 2 (2024) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Chemical Safety for Sustainability , Endocrine Disruptors , Green Chemistry , Land and Waste Management , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Chemical Safety , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Technology for a Sustainable Environment , Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention
Description:
This project is dedicated to producing eco-friendly packaging by applying a biodegradable polyester blend coating onto unbleached kraft paper. The coating's weight will not surpass 10% of the paper's total weight. Performance tests such as water absorption (Cobb1800 value) and oil resistance evaluations will be conducted to meet predefined performance criteria. Different coating strategies will be used to reduce coating load and improve adhesion between paper and coating, thereby enhancing the paper's resistance against water and oil without compromising its structural integrity. The ultimate goal is to create environmentally low-impact packaging solutions as alternatives to non-biodegradable options. The initiative provides a greener alternative to conventional plastics and PFAS-coated paper, which are major sources of microplastics and fluorochemical pollution. Aligning with the EPA's chemical safety goals (EPA-G2021-P3-Q4), it addresses critical environmental challenges identified by the EPA. We will use a comprehensive dissemination plan to ensure that research findings reach the community, students, and scientific peers.
Objective:
The project targets two major environmental concerns: microplastics and PFAS contamination. Microplastics resulting from the degradation of plastics, and PFAS, used for grease- and water-resistant food packaging, pose significant risks to the environment and human health. This project aims to develop a new type of paper free from PFAS and capable of complete natural degradation, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics and PFAS-coated items. This innovative paper will decompose into water and CO2 or can be converted into compost, thus significantly reducing environmental and health hazards.
Objective #1: Polyester blends for paper coating applications will be developed using biodegradable materials to enhance water resistance with minimal coating. These coatings will be applied onto paper and assessed for their effectiveness in resisting water and oil, in addition to evaluating their thermal sealing capabilities and key physico-mechanical properties.
Objective #2: This objective focuses on minimizing coating load while maintaining effectiveness. The coated paper will exhibit resistance against water and oil, thermal sealing potential, and essential physico-mechanical characteristics.
Approach:
The initiative seeks to address significant environmental threats: the proliferation of microplastics and PFAS.
Expected Results:
The project's success will yield environmentally friendly coated paper for single-use packaging, thereby reducing the release of microplastics and PFAS into the environment. Performance will be measured using ASTM and TAPPI standards for water and oil resistance, barrier properties, sealing efficiency, mechanical strength, and additional criteria.
Supplemental Keywords:
Safe planet, PFAS-alternatives, microplastics, packaging, green, clean planetP3 Phase I:
Elimination of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) problems upon the disposal of single-use packaging | 2023 Progress Report | Final ReportThe 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.