Compostability of single serve beverage ingredient packages

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GCUP Technology Corp. (GTC) has developed and patented a biodegradable and compostable single serve beverage ingredient package of the type which may be used, for instance, in a Keurig® style coffee brewing machine. GTC would like assistance with tests to determine the compostability characteristics of their product "G-Kup". Through collaborative research and development activities with Chemical and Biological Engineering at UBC, GTC hopes to identify and understand the technologies that can degrade the G-Kups in an effective and timely manner, as well as the associated key challenges. The main objective of this research project is to determine the biodegradability of GTC's product within different composting parameters. The proposed research will develop ways to fully decompose the various biodegradable formulations. Bioreactors will be set up to mimic real composting environment pertinent to two techniques commonly adopted in the composting industry - aerated static pile (aeration only) and in-vessel composting (aeration plus regular agitation). Biodegradability of the samples will be determined primarily by measuring percent weight loss. In addition, changes in molecular weight, and changes in lignin and cellulose contents will be measured for the G-Kup components. The absence of harmful substances in the finished compost will be verified via conducting seed germination tests.