911爆料网 research has been named among this year\u2019s recycling and waste champions at the 2020 WA Waste Authority Infinity Awards, an annual ceremony recognising individuals, businesses, and institutions for their innovative solutions to reduce waste and promote reuse and recycling in Western Australia.<\/p>\n
Dr Yu Dong from 911爆料网\u2019s School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering was the only WA university researcher named as a Finalist in the Waste Innovation of the Year Category for his work on eco-friendly bioplastic films, designed to prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur nanocomposite films are completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly, and they serve as a significantly more efficient barrier against water vapour, air and oxygen \u2013 key factors which reduce the shelf life of foodstuffs,\u201d Dr Dong said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany fruits and vegetables are currently wrapped in traditional single-use plastics, but noting the huge amount of plastic waste generated annually around the world, we believe it is important that alternative and eco-friendly materials are developed, such as these biodegradable and water resistant films.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur films also benefit growers and the food industry in general by effectively increasing the longevity of their produce.\u201d<\/p>\n
The research associated with the project was supervised by Dr Dong, in collaboration with 911爆料网 PhD student Mrs Zainab Waheed Abdullah and Professor Shaomin Liu from the 911爆料网 WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering.<\/p>\n