Our researchers are identifying novel ways to recover and recycle industrial and agricultural wastes as feedstocks for the production of new and reused materials or energy resources. Sustainability isn’t guaranteed just because a material is recyclable — it depends on the value chain processes. We combine advanced tools such as life-cycle assessment, multi-scale modeling and data analytics to evaluate the costs, benefits and hidden consequences of these processes.
World Without Waste Workshop
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May 6, 10, 12, 2021
Moving from the old “take-make-waste” model to a circular economy will require deeply multidisciplinary thinking that encompasses technology, logistics, human social behavior, and much more. This summer, Ohio State will host a series of convergence workshops focused on the life cycles of plastic, creating a space for innovative approaches, diverse partnerships, and ultimately a new meta-science.
CARBON CAPTURE AND USE
Ohio State engineers developed chemical looping, a process that uses metal oxide particles in high-pressure reactors to “burn” fossil fuels and biomass without the presence of oxygen in the air, for production of syngas, which in turn provides the building blocks for a host of other useful products including ammonia, plastics or even carbon fibers.
BIOMASS FEEDSTOCK SUPPLY CHAIN
We are developing near-term and future corn stover-based feedstock supply systems for biofuels that are technically sound, economic and sustainable.
MANUFACTURING MATERIALS OPTIMIZATION
Ohio State is part of a $70 million research consortium that is developing innovative approaches to reduce energy use and emissions in industrial supply chains, thus improving manufacturing competitiveness. We investigate advanced manufacturing and materials optimization for reuse to reduce in-process losses, reuse scrap materials, and utilize secondary feedstocks in manufacturing.

Sustainability Institute selects the second cohort of Exploratory Research Groups
Learn more about Sustainability Institute selects the second cohort of Exploratory Research Groups
Video: How Coke Killed the Refillable Bottle (featuring Professor Bart Elmore)
Learn more about Video: How Coke Killed the Refillable Bottle (featuring Professor Bart Elmore)
SI fosters interdisciplinary research through FY23 grant awards
Learn more about SI fosters interdisciplinary research through FY23 grant awards
Commerce in the Cosmos
Learn more about Commerce in the Cosmos
Ohio State, Rumpke Promote Circular Economy Research, Teaching and Practices
Learn more about Ohio State, Rumpke Promote Circular Economy Research, Teaching and Practices
IT diverts end-of-life equipment from landfills
Learn more about IT diverts end-of-life equipment from landfills
Ohio State bonds for the inpatient hospital project awarded Green Bond designation
Learn more about Ohio State bonds for the inpatient hospital project awarded Green Bond designation
Sustainability projects receive Ohio State President's Research Excellence Accelerator funding
Learn more about Sustainability projects receive Ohio State President's Research Excellence Accelerator funding
Sustainability, STEAM Factory researcher takes faculty position in Israel
Learn more about Sustainability, STEAM Factory researcher takes faculty position in Israel
Finding a concrete solution for sustainability
Learn more about Finding a concrete solution for sustainability
Strict environmental laws ‘push’ firms to pollute elsewhere
Learn more about Strict environmental laws ‘push’ firms to pollute elsewhere
Health care and weather distressing farmers
Learn more about Health care and weather distressing farmers
Want to cut emissions that cause climate change? Tax carbon
Learn more about Want to cut emissions that cause climate change? Tax carbon
Sustainable World Without Waste Goals and Strategies
Learn more about Sustainable World Without Waste Goals and Strategies
Sustainable World Without Waste Workshop: May 6, 10, and 12
Learn more about Sustainable World Without Waste Workshop: May 6, 10, and 12
Turning a weed into a profit-yielding crop
Learn more about Turning a weed into a profit-yielding crop
Research yields 6 recommendations to stimulate 'smart' job growth post-COVID
Learn more about Research yields 6 recommendations to stimulate 'smart' job growth post-COVID
Ohio State, SWACO to Test Improved Waste Management Strategies
Learn more about Ohio State, SWACO to Test Improved Waste Management Strategies
Sustainability Research Seed Grant Program Seeks Pre-Proposals
Learn more about Sustainability Research Seed Grant Program Seeks Pre-Proposals
Bakshi earns two NSF 2026 Idea Machine competition awards
Learn more about Bakshi earns two NSF 2026 Idea Machine competition awards
Rebuild, Renew, Reshape to Study COVID-19 Recovery
Learn more about Rebuild, Renew, Reshape to Study COVID-19 Recovery
Mapping the COVID-19 economic recovery
Learn more about Mapping the COVID-19 economic recovery
Gap between rich, poor neighborhoods growing in some cities
Learn more about Gap between rich, poor neighborhoods growing in some cities
Funding Available for New Interdisciplinary Research Teams
Learn more about Funding Available for New Interdisciplinary Research Teams
Inaugural Distinguished Professors of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences announced
Learn more about Inaugural Distinguished Professors of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences announced
New Study Will Track How Trade Wars Affect the Midwest
Learn more about New Study Will Track How Trade Wars Affect the Midwest
Ohio State Working with State to Expand Circular Economy
Learn more about Ohio State Working with State to Expand Circular Economy