Developing an Optimization Framework for the Transition Toward a Circular Plastics Economy
Learn how to develop an optimization framework to evaluate pathways for transitioning to a circular plastics economy.
Project is Not Currently Available
This project has reached full capacity for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.
Project description
Global plastic demand is projected to double by 2050, along with proportional increases in greenhouse gas emissions and pollution from mismanaged waste. Currently, over 99% of the plastics produced in the U.S. are made from fossil sources, while most plastic waste is either landfilled (75%) or incinerated (16%). Transitioning toward a circular plastics economy requires novel solutions to minimize waste and maximize resource recovery. Therefore, integrating sustainable feedstocks (e.g., bio-based materials) and advanced recycling technologies can help achieve this goal.
This project will develop an optimization framework to evaluate pathways for transitioning to a circular plastics economy. Using mathematical optimization methods, students will assess conventional fossil-based plastics, bio-based alternatives, and emerging recycling technologies, including hybrid systems (such as mechanical combined with solvent-based recycling). The project will begin with data collection from the literature and prior work from our group, followed by the formulation of a multi-objective optimization model that considers economic, environmental, and circularity metrics. The framework will be applied to representative product categories, including single-use packaging, recyclable containers, and durable goods. The students will summarize their results in a final report and, ideally, in a scientific publication. The students will also present their results at local and national conferences.
Project outcome
The students will gain experience conducting meaningful research that addresses critical sustainability challenges and solving problems creatively. Specifically, they will experience the complete research process from initial data gathering to analysis and report writing. The students will gain skills and expertise in mathematical optimization methods. They will also gain insights into fossil-based and bio-based plastics, as well as emerging recycling technologies, including hybrid systems (such as mechanical recycling combined with solvent-based recycling).
The students will improve their writing and communication skills by developing reports and delivering presentations on their research (in one-on-one meetings with the supervisor, group meetings, and conferences). If the results are sufficient for publication in a scientific journal, the students will have the opportunity to write and submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal.
Project details
| Length of commitment | Year-long (10-12 months) |
| Start time | Spring, Summer and Fall 2026 |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | Hybrid Project (Can be remote and/or in-person; to be determined by mentor and student) |
| Level of collaboration | Individual Student Project |
| Benefits | Stipend Other: Registration, travel & accommodations for conferences |
| Who is eligible | All undergraduate students are welcome to apply, particularly those with a strong interest in developing computational tools to address sustainability challenges. Experience or basic skills in coding (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is preferred. Students who have taken or are currently enrolled in relevant courses to the project (e.g., EAS 230 or 240, CSE 113 or 115) are preferred. |
Project mentor
Aurora del Carmen Munguia-Lopez
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Phone: (716) 645-8650
Email: amunguia@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. After you’re approved to begin the project, your mentor will send the relevant materials. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
Review the recent publications on our lab website https://sites.google.com/view/sustainablesystemsengineering/publications
Keywords
Chemical and Biological Engineering, systems engineering, computational tools, techno-economic analysis, environmental assessment, uncertainty analysis, plastics recycling, novel policies, sustainability