ULTRALIGHT AND STRONG BIO-BASED FOAMS FROM CELLULOSE NANOMATERIAL FOR SEAFOOD PACKAGING APPLICATION

The goal of this three-year project is to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of producing bio-based packaging foam materials from cellulose nanomaterials, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), to replace currently utilized petroleum-based polystyrene foams for seafood packaging.This project specifically targets the development of commercially viable biofoams from cellulose nanomaterials to replace expanded polystyrene foam for seafood packaging applications. Our research effort is strengthened by the close collaboration with a key stakeholder, Sealaska, in the seafood industry. We have designed a comprehensive and cohesive research program to maximize the potential for commercial success at the end of the project. The successful completion of the proposed project will thus lead to the development of the next-generation of lightweight, efficient, safe, and functional bio-based materials. More importantly, the success of the project will promote the utilization of cellulose nanomaterials which will be produced from forest and agricultural wastes. This will greatly enhance the agricultural ecosystems and competitiveness of the US agricultural industry. The use of biofoams will help minimize ocean plastics pollution and enhance the aquatic wildlife health and wellbeing and the quality of seafood.