Overview

The Sustainability Hub for an Alternative Packaging Ecosystem (SHAPE), is an initiative led by the MSU Research Foundation in collaboration with Michigan State University, Ohio State University, Resource Recycling Systems (NextCycle Michigan), and over 50 other partners. Supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines Development Grant, SHAPE aims to make the Great Lakes Region a global leader in sustainable packaging by fostering an inclusive circular economy. SHAPE is dedicated to reducing plastic and paper waste, advancing sustainable materials management policies, developing recycling technologies, and creating resilient, low-carbon supply chains. Through its collaborative ecosystem, SHAPE seeks to drive environmental, economic, and social equity impacts across the region, addressing the critical need for sustainable, circular packing solutions​.

  • To catalyze equitable economic growth across our Region of Service (ROS) in southern Michigan (MI) and northwestern Ohio (OH) by pioneering transformative solutions for reducing plastic, fiber-based, and paper packaging waste, and seamlessly integrating these solutions into the circular economy.

  • Build a regional innovation ecosystem that drives circularity in the packaging industry through cutting-edge, market-driven innovations, dramatically reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

Intellectual Merit

Solve Packaging Waste Pollution

SHAPE aims to solve packaging waste pollution through a total transformation of existing practices via convergence and coordination of diverse stakeholder groups.

Invent Sustainable Packaging

SHAPE will combine the creation and development of new cost-effective sustainable structural matrices, polymers, compatibilizers, and package designs with collection, sorting, recycling, and upcycling of used packaging.

Repurpose Waste Streams

SHAPE will help repurpose industrial and agricultural bio-based wastes to generate robust local supplies of sustainable manufacturing feedstocks.

Broader Impacts

  • SHAPE will leverage existing industrial and academic core facilities in a Packaging Circular Economy Factory of the Future to house real world research and translational activities and provide provide a focus for industrial research and development.

  • SHAPE will connect communities in cross-sector partnerships to serve as test beds to reiteratively optimize and validate the effective operation of the Engine’s innovation and translational ecosystem

  • SHAPE will expand to drive equal opportunity to participate in economic growth across the Great Lakes Region through integrated supply chains based on many decentralized waste management locations with a focus on creating jobs and opportunities for underemployed workers.

  • SHAPE prioritizes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) as fundamental to success in the sustainable packaging economy. Every collaborator and employee follows DEIA best practices, and projects are intentionally designed with DEIA principles. Embracing diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility enhances team performance and generates solutions benefiting all.

Functions

Use-Inspired Research

Develop innovative solutions that address the existing challenges in sustainable packaging. These solutions will enable sustainable packaging materials to effectively fulfill the requirements of both customers and manufacturers, while also enabling them to compete in the marketplace alongside conventional materials.

Practical Application of Innovations

Focus on developing technologies and solutions for the packaging circular economy value chain. This will involve a process of co-evolution within the marketplace, institutional, and social communities. To ensure fairness and inclusivity, SHAPE will actively reach out to diverse communities. The goal is to ensure that the developed technologies not only promote equitable outcomes but also involve community members who may not traditionally be part of the innovation process.

Workplace Development

Actively support the establishment of a thriving packaging circular economy that generates well-paid and meaningful employment opportunities. The aim is to meet or surpass the targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which advocates for sustained and inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for everyone.

Ecosystem Creation

Serve as a gateway for corporations in search of innovative solutions to the challenges they face. By doing so, it intends to establish a sustainable business ecosystem that fosters the growth and success of both entrepreneurs and multinational corporations.

Major Partners

Leadership Team

  • Brad Fingland

    Principal Investigator,
    MSU Research Foundation

    Email

  • Yael Vodovotz

    Co-Principal Investigator,
    The Ohio State University

  • Laurent Matuana

    Co-Principal Investigator,
    Michigan State University

  • JD Lindeberg

    President,
    RRS

  • Angela Hall

    Co-Principal Investigator,
    Michigan State University

Let's Collaborate

For more information about the Great Lakes Sustainability Hub for an Alternative Packaging Ecosystem (SHAPE), or to connect and collaborate with us, please fill out this form and our team will reach out.

Award ID 2314459

NSF Engines Development Award: Advancing a sustainable alternative packaging ecosystem in the Great Lakes Region (MI, OH)