Research

Overview

The Rabnawaz Research Group is U.S. and internationally recognized as a leading research group in sustainable polymeric materials, circular packaging, and end-of-life solutions for plastics and paper-based packaging systems. Our work integrates fundamental materials science, applied engineering, and industrial translation to address global challenges related to plastic waste, PFAS contamination, micro- and nanoplastics, recyclability, and sustainable manufacturing.

Our research portfolio includes 110+ peer-reviewed publications, 100+ lectures, 70+ U.S. and international patents, licensed technologies, and sustained funding from NSF, USDA, DOE, EPA, and industry partners.

🔗 Publications & citations (Google Scholar):
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=marn2rMAAAAJ

🔗 NSF IUCRC Center for Circular Packaging (C3PS):
https://c3ps.org/

🔗 MSU Faculty Profile:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/rabnawaz

🔗 Media & Research News:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/rabnawaz/news

 

1. End-of-Life Solutions for Plastic Waste

Mechanical Recycling, Chemical Recycling, and Upcycling

We are globally recognized for research on end-of-life (EoL) solutions for plastic waste, with a strong emphasis on mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and upcycling of complex and multilayer plastics. While plastics remain essential to packaging, healthcare, and consumer products, most are not effectively recycled.

Core expertise

  • Mechanical recycling of post-consumer and post-industrial plastics
  • Chemical recycling and depolymerization of mixed and multilayer plastics
  • Upcycling waste plastics into higher-value, circular materials
  • Circular polymer systems that minimize down-cycling and landfill disposal

🔗 Peer-reviewed research:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=marn2rMAAAAJ

🔗 Media highlights:

  • The quest to recycle the unrecyclable (MSU Today)
  • Table salt could improve plastic recycling (ChemEurope, Sustainable Plastics, WLNS)

 

2. Upstream Waste Reduction Through Design for Recycling

Design-for-Recycling Polymers and Circular Packaging Architectures

Most polymers were never designed for recyclability. Our research addresses this challenge upstream through design-for-recycling (DfR) strategies that enable high-performance, mono-material and simplified packaging systems compatible with existing recycling infrastructure.

Core expertise

  • Design-for-recycling polymer chemistry
  • Mono-material and all-polymer recyclable packaging
  • High-barrier recyclable films and multilayer redesign
  • Eliminating incompatibilities that limit polymer recovery

🔗 Selected peer-reviewed topics:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=marn2rMAAAAJ

🔗 Selected news coverage:

 

3. Paper and Paper-Hybrid Packaging Systems

Surface Sizing, Internal Sizing, and PFAS-Free Barrier Coatings

We develop next-generation paper-based and paper-hybrid packaging systems that replace plastic-coated and PFAS-based materials while maintaining functional performance. Our work spans surface sizing, internal sizing, and functional coatings that are recyclable, repulpable, and compostable.

Core expertise

  • PFAS-free paper coatings for water, oil, and grease resistance
  • Surface sizing and internal sizing compatible with paper recycling
  • Circular paper and paper-hybrid packaging systems
  • End-of-life validation (recycling, home composting, industrial composting)

🔗 Peer-reviewed research:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=marn2rMAAAAJ

🔗 Media relevance:

  • Paper without the microplastics (MSU Today)
  • Using soybean oil in paper coating (European Coatings)
  • New EPA PFAS ruling – MSU experts explain impacts (MSU Today)
    https://www.canr.msu.edu/rabnawaz/news

 

4. Compostable Packaging Systems (Home & Industrial)

High-Barrier Compostable Plastics and Paper-Based Packaging

Our group is recognized among the leading research teams worldwide developing home- and industrial-compostable packaging materials that achieve moisture and gas barrier performance comparable to incumbent multilayer packaging.

Core expertise

  • High-barrier compostable plastics
  • Compostable paper coatings and fiber-based systems
  • Multilayer-free compostable architectures
  • End-of-life validation under home and industrial composting
  • Elimination of PFAS and persistent additives

Target applications

  • Food packaging (processed food, meat, pharma, dry, refrigerated, frozen)
  • Fresh produce and vegetable packaging
  • Disposable food service items
  • Cold-chain and temperature-sensitive packaging

🔗 Media highlights:

  • Does “compostable” plastic actually break down? (Washington Post)
  • Why plastic alternatives aren’t always simple (Washington Post)

🔗 Peer-reviewed publications:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=marn2rMAAAAJ

 

Impact and Visibility

  • 110+ peer-reviewed publications
  • 70+ patents (issued and pending)
  • Licensed technologies and startup translation
  • Frequent international invited talks
  • Expert commentary cited by U.S. and international media on plastics, PFAS, and circular packaging

🔗 Full publication record:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=marn2rMAAAAJ

🔗 Center-led industry engagement:
https://c3ps.org/