Inside the DOE’s $1.7 million investment into sustainable plastic research at MSU

An MSU research project led by Muhammad Rabnawaz, who works in the School of Packaging, will attempt to redesign plastics to be more recyclable, aided by a recent $1.7 million investment from the U.S. Department of Energy, or DOE.

The project will focus on packaging made up of multiple layers, often including paper, plastic and metal. 30% of the plastic that is produced today goes into multilayer packaging.

Rabnawaz said the research has already demonstrated the feasibility of the project, and in the next three years, he and his team will investigate whether all-polyester multi-layer films can be recycled back into useful materials.

The investment is part of a broader $13.4 million investment which the DOE said will combat plastic waste and reduce plastic industry emissions.

‘Bringing together communities:’ MSU professors to open bookstore, cafe and wine bar

MSU professors Matt Grossmann and Sarah Reckhow prepare to open up a new local business called Hooked.

Hooked is a coffee shop, wine bar and bookstore all in one. “A little brighter coffee-shop feel during the daylight hours,” Reckhow said. “But shifting to a little bit more wine-bar feel in the evening.”

The couple dreamt up this idea while on a sabbatical in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where they were reminded of Lansing’s lack of cafe and wine bars.

Hooked is looking to house books by Michigan authors and MSU faculty.

The couple hopes that this place will be a community for a wide range of people. Hooked is planned to open on April 19 this spring.

FINAL: Iowa dominates MSU from start to finish for 86-60 victory; 5th loss in 6 games for MSU

Michigan State men’s basketball fell to Iowa 86-60 after trailing for nearly the entire game in Iowa City on Tuesday. Iowa’s offense dominated from the start, leading the Hawkeyes to a 46-32 halftime lead.

Iowa’s Keegan Murray put up 28 points on 67% shooting for the Hawkeyes. MSU’s Malik Hall was the rare bright spot for the Spartans as he put up 17 points.

The loss marked the Spartans’ third straight defeat. Michigan State is now 18-9 on the year and 9-7 in conference play.

The Spartans will return home to prepare for a matchup with Big Ten leader Purdue on Saturday.

Based on original reporting by Jack Armstrong, Miranda Dunlap and Jared Ramsey. Script by Shakyra Mabone.