UGA bioplastics technologies fuel state’s economy
Two UGA researchers and an alumnus work together to develop bio-based resins to displace those currently used to make single-use plastics, like straws and food packaging. Read more →
News & Events
UGA-led projects for NSF-funded CB2 ‘on track’ for 2020
Two research projects that are being led by University of Georgia New Materials Institute received positive feedback at the spring meeting of the Industry Advisory Board for the Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2), a National Science Foundation Industry—University Cooperative Research Center. The projects, “Unlocking the... Read more →
Designing products for a better outcome following a useful life
Representatives from Shaw recently interviewed Jason Locklin, director of the UGA New Materials Institute, about the Institute’s research partnerships with industry and why the Institute focuses on single-use packaging as a means to reduce the mismanaged plastic waste that is accumulating in our environment. The... Read more →
Jambeck named Distinguished Professor in Environmental Engineering
Jenna Jambeck, who directs the Center for Circular Materials Management within the UGA New Materials Institute, has been named the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor in Environmental Engineering. Jambeck is internationally recognized for her work to raise awareness about plastic pollution and to reduce mismanaged... Read more →
Bioseniatic℠ Laboratory director discusses research on biologically-degradable materials
Evan M. White, an assistant research scientist at the UGA New Materials Institute and director of the Institute’s Bioseniatic℠ Laboratory, recently talked to WUGA-FM about researching and developing compostable materials designed for single-use packaging. White and his colleagues are developing plastic materials and products that... Read more →
UGA New Materials Institute to lead 2 projects for NSF-funded CB2
The UGA New Materials Institute will lead two projects selected for funding and research in 2020, as part of the Institute’s participation in the Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2), a National Science Foundation Industry—University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC). The projects are among nine selected... Read more →
Renewable solutions for future materials featured at symposium held at UGA
The 4th International Symposium on Materials from Renewables drew scientists from throughout the U.S. and Europe to UGA, to share successes and challenges from their explorations into creating materials from renewable sources. The two-day meeting, co-hosted by the UGA Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors... Read more →
UGA New Materials Institute recognized by Shaw Industries for sustainability efforts
The University of Georgia’s New Materials Institute is one of 10 organizations to be highlighted over the coming year by Shaw Industries Group Inc., as part of the company’s new sustain[HUMAN]abilityTM recognition program. “We are grateful to Shaw Industries for recognizing and highlighting our efforts... Read more →
UGA New Materials Institute is a finalist for economic development awards
The New Materials Institute, a component of the UGA Office of Research with roots in the College of Engineering, along with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, both units of UGA Public Service and Outreach, are among 24 finalists for the University Economic Development Association 2019 Awards... Read more →
New Materials Institute hosts I/UCRC CB2 meeting
The UGA New Materials Institute recently hosted the biannual Industry Advisory Board meeting for the National Science Foundation Industry & University Cooperative Research Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites, known as CB2. UGA joined the I/UCRC in 2018 and is one of four universities that serve... Read more →
Jambeck to co-lead National Geographic’s Ganges expedition
University of Georgia College of Engineering researcher Jenna Jambeck will help lead an international, all-female expedition team that will study plastic pollution in one of the world’s most iconic waterways — the Ganges River (known locally as Ganga and Padma). The “Sea to Source: Ganges”... Read more →
Locklin, others, recognized for contributions to research, innovation
Jason Locklin, director of the UGA New Materials Institute, received the Excellence in Research Award from the UGA College of Engineering and was named a Distinguished Faculty Scholar by the college for his sustained excellence in scholarship. The awards were announced at the COE’s 2019... Read more →
Bromethalin is poisoning the parrots of Telegraph Hill
Bromethalin, a common rat poison, is the agent responsible for a neurological disease that has sickened or killed birds from a popular flock of naturalized parrots that reside primarily in the Telegraph Hill area in north San Francisco, according to a new study led by the... Read more →
Walmart Foundation grant aimed at reducing plastic waste
An $800,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to the University of Georgia New Materials Institute will help researchers understand how multilayer plastic packaging biodegrades and also help manufacturers in their attempts to design and select more sustainable materials. The research funded by the grant will seek to yield... Read more →
Lecture Series: How sustainable polymers can shape the future of plastics
Marc Hillmyer, director of the Center for Sustainable Polymers at the University of Minnesota and senior editor of Macromolecules, will present a lecture titled, “How sustainable polymers can shape the future of plastics,” on March 1, 2019. The lecture will be held at 12:30 p.m.... Read more →
PHA development project featured in PRISM
Royal statistic of 2018: 90.5% of plastic not recycled
A finding from University of Georgia research has been named the 2018 International Statistic of the Year by the Royal Statistical Society. CNN International interviewed the College of Engineering’s Jenna Jambeck, who worked with colleagues at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Sea... Read more →
UGA New Materials Institute joins NSF-funded Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia New Materials Institute has been awarded a grant as the third site for the National Science Foundation’s Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites, or CB2, an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. UGA was selected, in part, on the strength of... Read more →
Micronizing ocean plastics threaten sea turtle populations, ocean life cycle
Ingestion of degrading ocean plastics likely poses a substantial risk to the survival of post-hatchling sea turtles because the particles can lead to blockages and nutritional deficiencies, according to new research from Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the University of Georgia. This puts the survival of all sea turtle... Read more →
UGA to test first fully biodegradable plastic straw
A novel ‘smart’ approach to metabolic engineering
Recycling in U.S. is becoming more expensive, due to China and ‘dirty’ recycling
Study: PHA is an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemical plastics
NMI’s Jambeck talks to NPR
NMI research team calculates impact of China’s ban on plastic waste imports
Athens, Ga. – While recycling is often touted as the solution to the large-scale production of plastic waste, upwards of half of the plastic waste intended for recycling is exported from higher income countries to other nations, with China historically taking the largest share. But in... Read more →