{"id":21389,"date":"2022-03-21T11:48:17","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T15:48:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=21389"},"modified":"2024-10-21T11:12:52","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T15:12:52","slug":"new-biomaterial-plastic-pollution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/2022\/03\/new-biomaterial-plastic-pollution\/","title":{"rendered":"New Biomaterial Could Save Our Oceans From Plastic Pollution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Straws, water bottles, shopping bags, cups, utensils: so many of these everyday items are made from single-use plastics, meaning they\u2019re used just once and then thrown away. As a result, these items often end up in landfills and waterways, where they not only choke and ensnare wildlife but also leach harmful toxins into the environment as they decompose.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"left-aside wp-block-ncst-aside-widget\">\n    \n<blockquote class=\"has-blue-400-text-color wp-block-ncst-pullquote\">\n  <div class=\"pullquote-container\">\n    <p class=\"pullquote-content\">Five hundred <strong>billion plastic\u00a0bags are used worldwide every year.<\/strong><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n  <\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p>Now researchers at NC State have developed a new biomaterial that could help solve the worsening problem of plastic pollution. <a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/2022\/01\/lokendra-pal-named-e-j-woody-rice-associate-professor\/#:~:text=Lokendra%20Pal%20has%20been%20named,State's%20College%20of%20Natural%20Resources.\">Lokendra Pal<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/directory\/lucian-lucia\/\">Lucian Lucia<\/a>, professors in the Department of Forest Biomaterials, have discovered how to convert leftover sawdust powder and agro-residues into a Styrofoam-like packaging material.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The wood-based material could someday replace the plastics found in many single-use items. With support from the <a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/07\/chancellors-innovation-fund-2021\/#:~:text=Research%20at%20NC%20State%20uncovers,technologies%20%E2%80%94%20with%20broad%20societal%20impacts.\">Chancellor\u2019s Innovation Fund<\/a>, Pal and Lucia are currently conducting pilot trials, in advance of testing and commercialization by potential industry partners. They\u2019re mostly focused on&nbsp; manufacturing packaging and food service products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-hodges-ncsu-featured.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1500x844\" data-zoom=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-hodges-ncsu-featured-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Lokendra Pal overlooks samples of sawdust powder in his laboratory in Biltmore Hall at NC State - New Biomaterial Could Save Our Oceans from Plastic Pollution - College of Natural Resources News - NC State University\" class=\"wp-image-21415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-hodges-ncsu-featured-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-hodges-ncsu-featured-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-hodges-ncsu-featured-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-hodges-ncsu-featured.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lokendra Pal (center) examines samples of the biomaterial in his on-campus laboratory. Photo by Becky Kirkland\/NC State.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Packaging and food service products are often made from Styrofoam, a popular brand name of polystyrene, which is a petroleum-based plastic. Because Styrofoam is non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, these products are quickly discarded and make their way into landfills and waterways, where they can take 500 years to decompose.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"right-aside wp-block-ncst-aside-widget\">\n    \n<div class=\"has-blue-400-text-color ncst-fact wp-block-ncst-aside-fact\">\n              <h2 class=\"fact__heading\"><strong>Over 1 million marine animals are killed each year<\/strong>\u00a0due to plastic debris in the ocean.<\/h2>\n            <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cItems made from Styrofoam aren\u2019t used very long before they\u2019re discarded. But they pose a major threat to human and ecosystem health,\u201d Pal said. \u201cThe lightweight composition and buoyancy of Styrofoam allows it to float for long distances in water. It also can absorb and transport&nbsp;toxic pollutants, such as mercury.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, half of which is used in single-use items. Research shows that an estimated 12 million tons of that waste enters the ocean every year. Unfortunately, if plastic production and disposal continue at current rates, that amount will nearly triple to 30 million tons per year by 2040.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-2-ncsu-featured.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1500x844\" data-zoom=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-2-ncsu-featured-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Biomaterial samples - New Biomaterial Could Save Our Oceans from Plastic Pollution - College of Natural Resources News - NC State University\" class=\"wp-image-21419\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-2-ncsu-featured-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-2-ncsu-featured-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-2-ncsu-featured-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-2-ncsu-featured.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pal and Lucia have created several proof-of-concept items from their newly developed biomaterial, including LEGO bricks and chess pieces. Photo by Becky Kirkland\/NC State.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In an effort to address plastic pollution, researchers from around the world have developed biopolymer and fiber-based alternatives. These alternatives, however, require a lot of water, energy and chemicals to produce and therefore cost nearly 10 times as much as the material developed by Pal and Lucia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"left-aside wp-block-ncst-aside-widget\">\n    \n<blockquote class=\"has-blue-400-text-color wp-block-ncst-pullquote\">\n  <div class=\"pullquote-container\">\n    <p class=\"pullquote-content\">Water\u00a0is a vital yet limited resource, so using it sustainably is essential to ensuring there is enough\u00a0of it.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n  <\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p>Pal and Lucia have developed a production process that doesn\u2019t require water. Instead, the researchers mechanically sieve, grind and mix sawdust with agro-residues to form a powder. The powder is then combined with a binder before it\u2019s casted or molded into an item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, because the researchers are utilizing sawdust, the production process is virtually zero-waste and zero-emissions. Sawmills and similar operations usually dispose of their leftover sawdust by burning it. This not only ends the life cycle of a valuable byproduct, but it also produces the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-ncsu-featured.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1500x844\" data-zoom=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-ncsu-featured-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Biomaterial samples drying - New Biomaterial Could Save Our Oceans from Plastic Pollution - College of Natural Resources News - NC State University\" class=\"wp-image-21418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-ncsu-featured-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-ncsu-featured-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-ncsu-featured-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-ncsu-featured.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Once the mixture of leftover sawdust powder and agro-residues has been casted or molded into an item, it must be dried. Photo by Becky Kirkland\/NC State.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur research has focused heavily on environmental and economic sustainability,\u201d Pal said. \u201cWe know this material is not only recyclable and environmentally compatible, but also biodegradable in saltwater. It will simply disappear over time and consequently provide nutrients to aquatic life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pal added that the material also addresses social equity, reducing the impact of plastic pollution on marginalized communities worldwide. Research shows that plastic pollution is most highly concentrated along the coasts of low- and middle-income countries, which already have poor waste management systems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, as Pal and Lucia conduct pilot and commercial trials of their material over the next six months, they plan to further test its biodegradability and biocompatibility and to scale production for industrial partners. The researchers will also explore the use of 3-D printing in the production process, with the goal of eventually creating eco-friendly household items.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-related-stories\">\n    <h2 class=\"related-stories__label\">Related<\/h2>\n    <ul class=\"ncst-component__related-stories-container\">\n      \n<a \n      href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/2021\/01\/biomass-a-sustainable-energy-source-for-the-future\/\"\n      class=\"ncst-component__bold-link text-link\"\n                >\n    <span class=\"text\">Biomass: A Sustainable Energy Source for the Future?<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n    <\/a>\n  \n\n<a \n      href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/2020\/10\/your-next-halloween-mask-could-be-made-from-trees\/\"\n      class=\"ncst-component__bold-link text-link\"\n                >\n    <span class=\"text\">Your Next Halloween Mask Could Be Made from Trees<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n    <\/a>\n  \n\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n","protected":false,"raw":"<!-- wp:ncst\/dynamic-header {\"block\":\"ncst\/default-immersive-post-header\"} -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/default-immersive-post-header {\"backgroundColor\":\"blue_400\",\"caption\":\"NC State researchers have discovered how to convert leftover sawdust powder and agro-residues into a Styrofoam-like packaging material.\u00a0Photo by Becky Kirkland\/NC State.\",\"displayCategoryID\":114,\"subtitle\":\"The recyclable, biodegradable material could someday replace the millions of tons of plastic used in single-use items.\"} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/dynamic-header -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Straws, water bottles, shopping bags, cups, utensils: so many of these everyday items are made from single-use plastics, meaning they\u2019re used just once and then thrown away. As a result, these items often end up in landfills and waterways, where they not only choke and ensnare wildlife but also leach harmful toxins into the environment as they decompose.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-widget {\"alignment\":\"left\"} -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/pullquote {\"value\":\"Five hundred \\u003cstrong\\u003ebillion plastic\u00a0bags are used worldwide every year.\\u003c\/strong\\u003e\",\"textColor\":\"blue_400\"} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now researchers at NC State have developed a new biomaterial that could help solve the worsening problem of plastic pollution. <a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/2022\/01\/lokendra-pal-named-e-j-woody-rice-associate-professor\/#:~:text=Lokendra%20Pal%20has%20been%20named,State's%20College%20of%20Natural%20Resources.\">Lokendra Pal<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/directory\/lucian-lucia\/\">Lucian Lucia<\/a>, professors in the Department of Forest Biomaterials, have discovered how to convert leftover sawdust powder and agro-residues into a Styrofoam-like packaging material.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The wood-based material could someday replace the plastics found in many single-use items. With support from the <a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/07\/chancellors-innovation-fund-2021\/#:~:text=Research%20at%20NC%20State%20uncovers,technologies%20%E2%80%94%20with%20broad%20societal%20impacts.\">Chancellor\u2019s Innovation Fund<\/a>, Pal and Lucia are currently conducting pilot trials, in advance of testing and commercialization by potential industry partners. They\u2019re mostly focused on&nbsp; manufacturing packaging and food service products.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":21415,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-hodges-ncsu-featured.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-hodges-ncsu-featured-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Lokendra Pal overlooks samples of sawdust powder in his laboratory in Biltmore Hall at NC State - New Biomaterial Could Save Our Oceans from Plastic Pollution - College of Natural Resources News - NC State University\" class=\"wp-image-21415\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lokendra Pal (center) examines samples of the biomaterial in his on-campus laboratory. Photo by Becky Kirkland\/NC State.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Packaging and food service products are often made from Styrofoam, a popular brand name of polystyrene, which is a petroleum-based plastic. Because Styrofoam is non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, these products are quickly discarded and make their way into landfills and waterways, where they can take 500 years to decompose.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-fact {\"heading\":\"\\u003cstrong\\u003eOver 1 million marine animals are killed each year\\u003c\/strong\\u003e\u00a0due to plastic debris in the ocean.\",\"textColor\":\"blue_400\",\"useIcon\":false,\"useCTA\":false} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cItems made from Styrofoam aren\u2019t used very long before they\u2019re discarded. But they pose a major threat to human and ecosystem health,\u201d Pal said. \u201cThe lightweight composition and buoyancy of Styrofoam allows it to float for long distances in water. It also can absorb and transport&nbsp;toxic pollutants, such as mercury.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, half of which is used in single-use items. Research shows that an estimated 12 million tons of that waste enters the ocean every year. Unfortunately, if plastic production and disposal continue at current rates, that amount will nearly triple to 30 million tons per year by 2040.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":21419,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-2-ncsu-featured.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-2-ncsu-featured-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Biomaterial samples - New Biomaterial Could Save Our Oceans from Plastic Pollution - College of Natural Resources News - NC State University\" class=\"wp-image-21419\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pal and Lucia have created several proof-of-concept items from their newly developed biomaterial, including LEGO bricks and chess pieces. Photo by Becky Kirkland\/NC State.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In an effort to address plastic pollution, researchers from around the world have developed biopolymer and fiber-based alternatives. These alternatives, however, require a lot of water, energy and chemicals to produce and therefore cost nearly 10 times as much as the material developed by Pal and Lucia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-widget {\"alignment\":\"left\"} -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/pullquote {\"value\":\"Water\u00a0is a vital yet limited resource, so using it sustainably is essential to ensuring there is enough\u00a0of it.\",\"textColor\":\"blue_400\"} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pal and Lucia have developed a production process that doesn\u2019t require water. Instead, the researchers mechanically sieve, grind and mix sawdust with agro-residues to form a powder. The powder is then combined with a binder before it\u2019s casted or molded into an item.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Also, because the researchers are utilizing sawdust, the production process is virtually zero-waste and zero-emissions. Sawmills and similar operations usually dispose of their leftover sawdust by burning it. This not only ends the life cycle of a valuable byproduct, but it also produces the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":21418,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-ncsu-featured.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/03\/03212022-lokendra-pal-product-samples-ncsu-featured-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Biomaterial samples drying - New Biomaterial Could Save Our Oceans from Plastic Pollution - College of Natural Resources News - NC State University\" class=\"wp-image-21418\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Once the mixture of leftover sawdust powder and agro-residues has been casted or molded into an item, it must be dried. Photo by Becky Kirkland\/NC State.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cOur research has focused heavily on environmental and economic sustainability,\u201d Pal said. \u201cWe know this material is not only recyclable and environmentally compatible, but also biodegradable in saltwater. It will simply disappear over time and consequently provide nutrients to aquatic life.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pal added that the material also addresses social equity, reducing the impact of plastic pollution on marginalized communities worldwide. Research shows that plastic pollution is most highly concentrated along the coasts of low- and middle-income countries, which already have poor waste management systems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ultimately, as Pal and Lucia conduct pilot and commercial trials of their material over the next six months, they plan to further test its biodegradability and biocompatibility and to scale production for industrial partners. The researchers will also explore the use of 3-D printing in the production process, with the goal of eventually creating eco-friendly household items.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/related-stories -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/bold-link {\"text\":\"Biomass: A Sustainable Energy Source for the Future?\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/2021\/01\/biomass-a-sustainable-energy-source-for-the-future\/\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/bold-link {\"text\":\"Your Next Halloween Mask Could Be Made from Trees\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/2020\/10\/your-next-halloween-mask-could-be-made-from-trees\/\"} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/related-stories -->"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NC State researchers have discovered how to convert leftover sawdust powder and agro-residues into a Styrofoam-like packaging material.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":171,"featured_media":21394,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"views\/single-immersive.blade.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-immersive-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"backgroundColor\":\"blue_400\",\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"displayCategoryID\":114,\"caption\":\"NC State researchers have discovered how to convert leftover sawdust powder and agro-residues into a Styrofoam-like packaging material.\u00a0Photo by Becky Kirkland\/NC State.\",\"subtitle\":\"The recyclable, biodegradable material could someday replace the millions of tons of plastic used in single-use items.\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[114,1,102,3],"tags":[255,269,39,254,25,78],"_ncst_magazine_issue":[],"class_list":["post-21389","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fb-research","category-hidden-news","category-hidden-newswire","category-research-innovation","tag-biomaterials","tag-fb-research","tag-forest-biomaterials","tag-paper-packaging-and-tissue","tag-sustainability","tag-sustainable-materials-and-technology"],"displayCategory":{"term_id":114,"name":"Forest Biomaterials Research","slug":"fb-research","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":114,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":3,"count":18,"filter":"raw"},"acf":{"ncst_posts_meta_modified_date":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21389","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/171"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21389"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21389\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37998,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21389\/revisions\/37998"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21389"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21389"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21389"},{"taxonomy":"_ncst_magazine_issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/_ncst_magazine_issue?post=21389"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}