North Carolina State University researchers develop new biomaterial from sawdust

In North Carolina, North Carolina State University researchers have developed a new biomaterial that could help solve the worsening problem of plastic pollution by discovering how to convert leftover sawdust powder and agro-residues into a Styrofoam-like packaging material. 

The wood-based material could someday replace the plastics found in many single-use items. With support from the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund, the researchers are currently conducting pilot trials, in advance of testing and commercialization by potential industry partners. They’re mostly focused on manufacturing packaging and food service products.