PhD project title |
Compostable Feather Based Biopolymer Lidding Films |
Outline description, including interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international dimensions (300 words max) |
Plastics are an integral part of the global economy with plastic packaging playing a pivotal role in the UK’s food distribution system aiding the prevention of food waste by protecting and extending shelf life throughout the supply chain. However, the continued use of plastic packaging has several negative implications including:
One major challenge is the infrastructure, or lack thereof, for recovery, reuse or ethical disposal of polymer films. The collection, separation and reprocessing of household plastic film is not widely implemented in the UK; as a consequence, end markets for the recycled material is limited. In 2011/12 only 13% of local authorities provided kerbside collections of films. Without adequate infrastructure for collection and reuse the most environmentally friendly solution is to create compostable lidding films. Feather based biopolymer films may provide a solution.
This project brings together diverse academic expertise in polymer packaging and future alternatives (Dr Eoin Cunningham) and manufacturing optimisation (energy pathways and carbon footprint analysis, Dr Beatrice Smyth). The academic support will be strongly complimented with industrial experience provided by Moy Park who have been at the forefront of packaging innovations for the last few decades. The successful candidate will gain insights into frontline perception on packaging innovations, structure, materials and sustainability. For info recent projects have included:
European Institute of Technology (EIT) funded “Consumer and Manufacturing Driven Alternative Packaging Solutions from Agri-Food Waste Streams” https://www.eitfood.eu/innovation/projects/consumer-and-manufacturing-driven-alternative-packaging-solutions-from-agrifood-waste-streams. EPSRC Funded “Advancing Creative Circular Economies for Plastics via Technological-Social Transitions” (ACCEPT Transitions EP/S025545/1) https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/S025545/1. |
Key words/descriptors |
Feather based biopolymers, Compostable Packaging, packaging innovation, carbon footprint, energy |
Fit to CITI-GENS theme(s) |
In recent years, as countries have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions, plastic has taken over as the “poster boy” of environmental issues. Efforts are being made to quantify the scale of the problem, but recent estimates put the amount of plastic waste at over 6 billion metric tons per annum. At the current rate of production, this is unsustainable, and the negative environmental effects of releasing plastic into the environment are well-documented. This proposed research supports the core ideal of the CITIGENS programme driving ethical innovation in packaging production. It falls within:
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Supervisor Information
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First Supervisor: Dr Eoin Cunningham School: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Second Supervisor: Dr Beatrice Smyth School: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Third Supervisor: Matt Harris (Head of Packaging Innovation) Company: Moy Park Ltd. |
Name of non-HEI partner(s) |
Moy Park Ltd (Armagh, UK) |
Contribution of non-HEI partner(s) to the project:
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For the proposal, Moy Park is committed to working with Queen’s University to ensure the success of this project, subject to terms and conditions of contract which are to be agreed in due course, in particular offer support in relation to the undernoted; |
. Please describe the profile of the non-HEI partner and the nature of the relationship.
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Moy Park Ltd is Northern Ireland’s largest private sector company. It is one of the top ten global poultry producers employing 12,000 people across 14 European Sites. The provision of poultry products across Europe brings with it the creation of significant amounts of waste in the form of chicken litter, bone, feather and eggshells. Moreover, with a strong ethos of extended producer responsibility Moy Park is also interested in its packaging and potential impacts on the environment. The relationship with Moy Park started in Sept 2013; Dr Cunningham met with the Management team in an effort to develop innovative solutions to Moy Park’s waste challenges. The company views this project as a great opportunity to continue our strategic alliance with QUB, IGFS and Dr Cunningham. |
Research centre School |
Polymer Processing Research Centre School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
Subject area |
Biobased Polymer Development |
Academic Requirements
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Applicants should hold or expect to hold a 2.1 Hons (or equivalent) degree in a relevant discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or in a Psychology related programme. Students who have a 2.2 honours degree and a Master’s degree may also be considered, but the School reserves the right to shortlist for interview only those applicants who have demonstrated high academic attainment to date. It is essential that the candidate has an enthusiastic attitude towards undertaking research in the field of polymer alternatives and is willing to travel to both academic and industrial collaborators for placements, training courses and dissemination activities. |