Md Abir Talukdar
PhD Researcher | School of Chemical Engineering | The University of Queensland
February – August 2024 | 6 months
Company Spotlight
Plantic Technologies is a Melbourne-based leader in renewable and compostable packaging. Using non-GMO corn starch, Plantic™ materials deliver high-barrier performance for food packaging while remaining biodegradable and recyclable. With global partnerships and decades of R&D, Plantic is driving innovation for a circular plastics economy.
Placement Overview
Abir’s placement focused on developing a recycling system for recovering PET from Plantic’s multilayer packaging materials. He conducted chemical and physical treatments to separate layers and assess recyclability, contributing to circular economy goals.
Skills Developed
- PET recycling techniques
- Use of instruments: FTIR, AFM, hot press, granulator
- Quality control testing: tensile tester, tray sealer, humidity cabinet
- Data documentation and reporting
Outcomes
- Developed a prototype recycling system
- Submitted a full report on optimised recycling conditions
- Gained hands-on experience with industrial plastic processing and analysis
Abir says:
“It was a great opportunity to work on a project that combines bioderived materials and circular economy principles. I’m proud to have contributed to Plantic’s sustainability efforts.”
Learn more about how our industry placements prepare graduates for careers in sustainable materials research.
