Forest Biomaterials Research

Faculty Lokendra Pal wearing safety glasses looks at a computer screen in a modern laboratory with paper and pulp testing equipment. - Electric Power Could Bring Paper Mills to Net Zero Emissions - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Oct 16, 2025

Electric Power Could Bring Paper Mills to Net Zero Emissions

A study finds that replacing natural gas with electric and biomass power, along with improved energy efficiency, could help some pulp and paper mills reach zero net emissions.

Jul 2, 2025

Forest Biomaterials Researchers Developing Sustainable Alternative to Plastic Foam Packaging

The fiber-based material, which is fully recyclable and biodegradable, could someday replace plastic foam materials used in cushioning and insulation for packaging.

May 6, 2025

Forest Biomaterials Professor Nathalie Lavoine Wins NSF CAREER Award

Lavoine will use the five-year, nearly $750,000 grant to advance her research on cellulose nanocrystals for the creation of sustainable colors and materials for various products.

Oct 2, 2024

Port Strike Could Reignite Toilet Paper Shortage — But Don’t Panic, Expert Says

Whether the strike results in a toilet paper shortage depends on how long it lasts, according to one NC State professor.

Jul 16, 2024

Apparel Industry Leaks Millions of Tons of Plastic Into Environment Each Year, Study Finds

A new study finds that waste from the global apparel industry is leaking millions of tons of plastic into the environment each year – an overlooked pollution source which may be getting worse over time.

Cotton branch with pile of folded bed sheets and blankets.

Jun 7, 2024

Researchers Turn to Cottonseed Oil to Replace Toxic Chemicals in Textiles, Paper Products

NC State researchers are exploring the use of cottonseed oil to create non-allergenic, biodegradable products that can be used as finishing agents for fabrics and wet-strength agents for paper products.

Nov 9, 2023

AI-Powered Waste Management System to Revolutionize Recycling

The system is expected to streamline the collection of non-recyclable waste for conversion into renewable products, energy and fuel.

Oct 18, 2023

Mimicking a Bird’s Sticky Spit to Create Cellulose Gels

A small bird's nest-making inspires a nontoxic process for making cellulose gels.

Aerial photo of a paper mill in Fernandina Beach near Jacksonville, Florida. - NC State Researchers Developing Climate-friendly Solution for Pulp and Paper Industry - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Sep 18, 2023

NC State Researchers Developing Climate-Friendly Solution for Pulp and Paper Industry

NC State researchers will lead a $2.6 million project aimed at developing a nature-based, renewable technology to reduce the carbon emissions of kraft pulping.

Aug 1, 2023

NC State to Lead $10M Initiative to Decarbonize Forest Products Industry

Faculty in the Department of Forest Biomaterials will work to reduce the carbon intensity of producing various paper and wood products.