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Sargassum is a Growing Problem. Researchers May Have a Solution

Forest Biomaterials Research

A woman wearing a white lab coat peers into a microscope.

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.
European Swift - Mimicking a Bird's Sticky Spit to Create Cellulose Gels - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

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.
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.
Water ripple - New Research Could Lead to More Sustainable, Efficient Design of Cellulose-based Products - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

May 9, 2023

New Research Could Lead to More Sustainable, Efficient Design of Cellulose-based Products

To find better ways to process cellulose, NC State researchers are working to understand its most fundamental interactions — for example, with water.
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.