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.

In my role as a Packaging Engineer at Diageo, I have the opportunity to support a variety of innovation and supply optimization programs in the beverage alcohol industry. This role allows me to work with and test many different packaging mediums that run across various manufacturing and bottling sites. Through the commercialization process, we work to deliver quality, innovative, and sustainable packaging by developing and executing qualifications of packaging components. It is rewarding to be able to work on global leading brands and to see your projects through from initial scope to a commercialized product on shelf. I could not have asked for a better collegiate experience than I had with the Packaging Systems and Design Program at Virginia Tech. The unique curriculum and opportunities it provided enabled me to obtain a position that aligned to my career aspirations and will allow me to continue to develop professionally in the packaging industry. Go Hokies!