Massachusetts Technology Collaborative grant

UMass Dartmouth awarded nearly $1.2M for new Biodegradable Plastics Lab

Announcement of a new $739,936 award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to support the development of a new research and development laboratory to study biodegradable and ocean-safe plastics. Pictured: Senior Advisor to the Chancellor on Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives Michael Goodman, Dean of the College of Engineering and Interim Dean of SMAST Jean VanderGheynst, Chancellor Mark Fuller, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Vice Provost for Research & Academic Affairs Ramprasad Balasubramanian, Director of the Innovation Institute at MassTech Pat Larkin, and Representative Paul A. Schmid III

UMass Dartmouth recently celebrated the announcement of a new $739,936 award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to support the development of a new research and development laboratory in New Bedford to study biodegradable and ocean-safe plastics. The state grant was awarded by the Collaborative Research and Development Matching Grant program, an effort managed by the Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), and will be paired with $1 million in match funding, more than $450,000 from private industry partners, including leading advanced materials companies such as PrimaLoft.

The launch of the new lab will advance UMass Dartmouth’s research in advanced materials and the Blue Economy and make needed testing capabilities available for Industry. The new Plastics Biodegradation Laboratory will enable efficient testing of plastic biodegradation, helping address the significant waste caused by traditional plastics used in textiles, packaging, and other products that accumulate in the ocean and other water resources. “We are pleased to make investments across the state to support projects like this, which are addressing critical demands for new, innovative products,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This investment in new research infrastructure at UMass Dartmouth will further strengthen Massachusetts’ Blue Tech sector, working collaboratively with the private sector to create innovative products and grow jobs here in the Commonwealth.”

“Institutions like UMass Dartmouth play a critical role in preparing Massachusetts’ students for their future careers, teaching them how to tackle major global challenges such as plastic waste,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, who chairs the Commonwealth’s Seaport Economic Council. “This new lab, and the partnerships with leading organizations in manufacturing and research, will solidify the Commonwealth’s role as a global leader when it comes to R&D in the Blue Tech sector.”