Optimization of Extruded Bead Expansion for Insulating Properties and Impact Protection of PLA Biobased Plastic for Replacement of Fish Packaging

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Increasing consumer awareness of eco-friendly products and changes in regulations to the fish packaging industry is creating a shift in the industry to provide sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic inputs. However, the industry is struggling to find a scalable solution and existing products are failing to meet the quality, cost, and manufacturing compatibility requirements needed. As a result, Browns Bay Packing has partnered with Crest Mold Technology Inc. and Lambton College to develop a novel biodegradable packaging material for fresh fish shipping. In collaboration, Browns Bay Packing, Crest Mold Technology, and Lambton College aim to modify material combinations to create an extrusion polymer that holds the specifications and performance similar to EPS material for the purpose of creating a sustainable manufacturing fish packaging process that is tear-resistant and low cost. To do this, the research team will test various ratios of the proposed additives to optimize and produce PLA pellets, improve the thermal resistance of PLA, and build a mold for Browns Bay Packing products and test the effects of the improvements to the PLA.The results of the proposed project will support both Browns Bay and Crest Mold Technology circular economy initiatives, particularly product development and growth of their product lines. In addition, the results will also contribute to Canada's growing sustainable chemistry portfolio and improve the fish packaging industry. Within two years, it is anticipated that Browns Bay will have a market penetration of 0.1% of manufacturing start-up. In turn, this is expected to bring in potential revenues of 9.5 million per year and generate up to 25 full-time positions once the production facility is fully operational.