SBIO

What is the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials (SBIO) all about?

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials provides instruction, research, and outreach across a broad range of environmentally related materials, products, and systems. A particular strength is instruction and research in the use of natural, renewable resources to produce innovative materials in a sustainable manner. Our vision statement is “a world without waste, through the advancement of regenerative materials, products, and systems.”  We design and build innovative and sustainable products, buildings, packaging, and other materials while minimizing waste and extends beyond physical and technological boundaries.

The packaging program at Virginia Tech is unique in that students are provided with practical knowledge and experiences that have real-world application.  The value I obtained from completing coursework in packaging science didn’t cease on the date of my graduation.  Throughout the course of my career, I’ve regularly relied upon my relationships with the program’s professors and Virginia Tech packaging alumni to help me solve problems and devise solutions for my customers.  A career in the packaging industry is almost unparalleled given the vast amount of opportunity and diversity of options that exist.  Packaging is all around us and not only functions to protect products but can serve as a medium for advertising too.  Developing the next generation of packaging with sustainability in mind is equally challenging, fun, and rewarding.  Go Hokies!