INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY 2025–2026 DAIRY BYPRODUCTS VALORIZATION TO PLASTICS RESEARCHER: Dr. Ruihong Zhang, UC Davis 2026 Project Budget: $168,732 This project seeks to convert whey permeate from cheese plants into high-value, biodegradable PHA- based bioplastics. By developing packaging materials with thermoplastic-like properties, the project aims
to create environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics while adding value to dairy byproducts. PROJECT GOALS: • Produce renewable, biodegradable plastics that reduce the carbon footprint of dairy products. • Enhance the marketability and profitability of cheese byproducts by creating innovative PHA-based products. • Support the development of dairy-based packaging solutions suitable for service and packaging applications, aligning with circular economy principles. This project is co-funded in thirds in partnership with the California Dairy Innovation Center and Dairy Management Inc. CO- FUNDED
CDRF 2026 Proposed Projects and Budget Request
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