Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging

Successful graduates will gain an understanding of the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of solid wood and bio-based products and packaging materials. Students within this degree program will be exposed to an overview of to trade and marketing knowledge and the structure of both traditional forest products as well as emerging sustainable biomaterial industry segments, the trade patterns and marketing, the role of private industry and government organizations in development and trade of the segments, and the potential contribution of economic development. They will know the thermal, electric and acoustic properties of the bio-based products and packaging materials and understand the relationships between anatomical structure and physical/mechanical behavior of materials. 

The Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging degree is appropriate for students who seek employment in any aspect of forest product development that uses the sustainable fiber resources from the forest industry. The curriculum emphasizes biological, ecological, environmental, social, economic, and ethical considerations in sustainable biomaterials and packaging markets.

Environmental concerns and evolving technologies are moving companies toward the identification of novel packaging systems that consider the life cycle assessment of consumer product including food storage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These developments are fueling an increased demand for professionals with expertise in packaging technology, operational logistics, and conversion processes using sustainable bioproducts. The packaging platform offers next generation packaging expertise with the lens of sustainability, focusing on material exploration, sustainable packaging product innovation and engineering, packaging converting, supply chain management, and packaging trends and market analysis.

1. Students must complete a sequence in either Literature or History.

Courses in bold are majors courses and must be completed with a 2.0 or better.

When you are ready to apply, your application can be submitted online at auburn.edu/admissions or through the Common Application. There is no preference given to either application. We encourage you to submit the application you start. Filling out both applications may delay your file review process.

Options

• Submit your Admission Application.
• Pay the $60 non-refundable application fee (USD).
• ACT and/or SAT scores submitted directly from the testing agency.
• TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores sent from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
• Submit your official evaluated high school transcripts.
• Submit an Affidavit of Financial Support.
• Submit a Supporting Bank Letter.