WEBINAR RECORDING December 17, 2021
This webinar introduces the world of edible and compostable packaging and shares the latest research developments at OSU Food Science & Technology Department on edible and compostable packaging.
The US generates almost 80 million tons of packaging waste each year and roughly half of that is used to package single-serve food items. Packaging disposal not only pollutes water and land, but also is harmful to animals.
Eco-friendly packaging is important to reduce the impact to environment. OSU researchers have been developing edible and compostable packaging with unique applications to replace single use plastic bags, wraps, and containers.
Our aim is to not only reduce single use plastic packaging, but also to extend product shelf-life and provide convenience to consumers.
Our patented technology of valorizing fiber-rich food processing byproducts (pomace, Brewer’s spent grains, hemp fibers, etc.) for creating eco-friendly packaging provides sustainable solution for both food and packaging industries.
Dr. Yanyun Zhao is a Professor in the Department of Food Science & Technology at Oregon State University (OSU), leading an integrated research/Extension/teaching program in Sustainable Food Processing and Packaging.
Dr. Zhao is an internationally prominent researcher in developing new knowledge and applications for edible food packaging and value-added utilization of fiber rich food processing byproducts.
Dr. Zhao leads a very active research team, has generated over 170 peer-reviewed journal publications, 21 book chapters, and 8 granted patents, edited 2 books, and provided over 50 workshops/short-courses to the food industry.
Dr. Zhao is an elected 2012 IFT (Institute of Food Technologists) Fellow, and a current member of IFT Board of Directors. She is the recipient of many professional awards, including 2020 IFT Research and Development award, OSU Impact Award for Outstanding Scholarship (2020), OSU Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award (2020), the first (inaugural) OSU Women in Breaking Barriers in Research Award (2018), OnPoint Outstanding Faculty Award (2018), and OSU Agricultural Research Foundation Distinguished Faculty Award (2016).