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New Research Program Investigates Carbon Footprint of Fibers to Combat Climate Change

Forest Biomaterials Research

Stacks of styrofoam in various thicknesses. - Forest Biomaterials Researchers Developing Sustainable Alternative to Plastic Foam Packaging - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

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.
Nathalie Lavoine wearing a lab coat peers into a microscope. - Forest Biomaterials Professor Nathalie Lavoine Wins NSF CAREER Award - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

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.
White tissue role on black background - Port Strike Could Reignite Toilet Paper Shortage - But Don't Panic, Expert Says - College of Natural Resources News at NC State

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.
Landfill pile - Apparel Industry Leaks Millions of Tons of Plastic Into Environment Each Year, Study Finds - College of Natural Resources News at NC State

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.
NC State researchers place waste items on a conveyor belt - AI-Powered Waste Management System to Revolutionize Recycling - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

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.
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.
Paper machine - NC State to Lead $10M Initiative to Decarbonize Forest Products Industry - College of Natural Resources News - NC State University

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.
Sargassum, brown seaweed algae, on the beach, Akumal Bay, Mexico - Sargassum is a Growing Problem, Researchers May Have a Solution - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Mar 22, 2023

Sargassum is a Growing Problem. Researchers May Have a Solution

Funded with a $2.25 million grant from the Department of Energy, NC State researchers will collect sargassum and combine it with wood waste to produce sustainable aviation fuel and battery-grade graphite.
Ground biomass - New Research Program Investigates Carbon Footprint of Fibers to Combat Climate Change - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Feb 16, 2023

New Research Program Investigates Carbon Footprint of Fibers to Combat Climate Change

“This is groundbreaking research that will help in the fight against climate change by providing quantitative information that consumers can use in their purchase decision-making,” said NC State professor Ronalds Gonzalez.