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The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials is tackling one of the biggest problems facing society: How do we create a more sustainable future?

We offer three majors focused on finding that answer:  Sustainable Biomaterials, Sustainable Systems Science (S3), and Packaging Systems and Design (PSD).

Sustainability is the foundation of our department. All aspects of classwork and research return to our basic mission and guiding purpose: to create a better world by preserving natural resources, reducing the waste stream, and decreasing energy consumption.

The shared goals of all SBIO, S3 and PSD degrees include:

  • Using bioengineered materials such as wood-based polymers
  • Using recycled materials
  • Reducing the waste stream
  • Increasing the durability of products
  • Meeting the needs of society in our areas of specialization

 

Learn more about each degree

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    A student researcher in a lab
    Sustainable Biomaterials Major , home

    The Sustainable Biomaterials major examines the lifecycle of materials with a focus on renewable resources such as wood and biopolymers. Sustainable and renewable products made with biomaterials and wood products such as hardwood, bamboo, hemp, and wood pulp, are the foundational renewable materials which are processed in a wide variety of ways to make products that increase sustainability and reduce waste.

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    Students and professors unbox a HokieBird made of stacked corrugated cardboard
    Packaging Systems and Design Major , home

    Packaging is a major segment of any economy where goods must be transported. Packaging Systems and Design looks at shipping from a safety standpoint, a marketing perspective, and focuses on the sustainability of reducing the waste stream with products that are both made from recyclable materials and easily reclaimed as recyclable, or others that biodegrade with no harm to the environment.

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    Sustainable systems science students learning together outside
    Sustainable Systems Science (S3) Major , home

    The Sustainable Systems Science (S3) major examines the lifecycle of materials with a focus on renewable resources such as wood and biopolymers. Sustainable and renewable products made with biomaterials and wood products such as hardwood, bamboo, hemp, and wood pulp, are the foundational renewable materials which are processed in a wide variety of ways to make products that increase sustainability and reduce waste.

Learn more about our minors

Sustainable biomaterials

Acquire the hands-on experience and knowledge needed to design and build innovative and sustainable products, buildings, and other renewable materials while minimizing waste.

View Course Requirements

Packaging systems and design

Discover how sustainable, green packaging can eliminate waste and pollution in the environment, how packaging design enhances products, and how smart materials are used in food and drug packaging to improve safety and quality.

View Course Requirements