Job Title: Final Year Student Researchers

Project Title: Green Packaging Alternatives to Plastic Packaging

About Miños:

At Miños, we are a vibrant, forward-thinking business driven by our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our strategic vision is to preserve the environment, foster economic equality, and deliver accessible and sustainable food and groceries on a large scale. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious practices, we bridge the gap between small-scale farmers and consumers, offering affordable and environmentally friendly products.

Project Objective:

Our objective is to develop organic replacements for plastic packaging, with a specific focus on plastic bags, plastic bottles, and straws. As a final year student researcher, you will have the unique opportunity to propose and undertake research to identify alternative materials and methods for packaging. The aim is to create packaging solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective and feasible for widespread adoption.

Key Objectives and Definition of Success:

Shelf-Life Enhancement: Investigate innovative materials and packaging techniques that extend the shelf life of food and grocery products, reducing food waste and enhancing sustainability.

Tensile Strength Improvement: Explore packaging materials with superior tensile strength, ensuring durability and resistance to tearing or breakage during transportation and handling.

Biodegradability and Compostability: Research organic materials that are biodegradable and compostable, minimizing environmental impact and enabling easy disposal.

Product Safety and Contamination Prevention: Develop packaging solutions that maintain product integrity, ensuring the materials used do not contaminate or compromise the quality and safety of the enclosed products.

Cost-Effectiveness: Identify cost-effective alternatives to plastic packaging, enabling mass production and affordability without compromising sustainability and performance.

Scalability and Commercial Viability: Evaluate the scalability and commercial viability of the proposed packaging materials and methods, considering factors such as production capacity, manufacturing processes, and market acceptance.

Multidisciplinary Approach:

Miños values a multidisciplinary approach to this research project. We encourage collaboration among students from various fields, including mechanical engineering, chemistry, forestry, wood science, chemical engineering, and other relevant disciplines. Embracing diverse perspectives and expertise will foster innovative and comprehensive solutions. Let’s work together to revolutionize the packaging industry and contribute to a sustainable future.

Funding and Mentorship:

Miños will provide financial support for your final year project, covering the research costs associated with materials and equipment necessary for your research. In addition to funding, you will receive mentorship and guidance from our experienced team of professionals, Miños will however return patent rights for the research outcomes of this project. We are committed to your success and will support you throughout the research process and possibly beyond depending on the research outcomes.

Application Requirements:

To apply for this final year research opportunity, interested students must submit the following documents:

1. Academic transcripts reflecting your relevant coursework and achievements.

2. A research proposal outlining your approach, methodology, and expected outcomes, aligning with the specific objectives of shelf-life enhancement, tensile strength improvement, biodegradability, product safety, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and commercial viability.

3. A brief description of the materials and resources you anticipate needing for your research.