Narayan Ramani
Ramani Narayan, is University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University—the highest honor bestowed by the University. He has 130 refereed publications, 25 patents and successful entrepreneur with commercialized technologies. He has won many awards -- Governor’s (State of Michigan) Award for commercialization excellence; University Distinguished Faculty Award, Withrow Distinguished Scholar award; Fulbright Distinguished Lectureship Chair at University of Lisbon, Portugal; ASTM International Award of merit and named ASTM Fellow
" Carbon and Environmental Footprint using biocarbon content analysis and LCA methodology – A Case Study for BioPlastics"
The use of bio/renewable resources for manufacturing plastics and products offers the value proposition of a reduced carbon footprint and improved sustainability. Using biocarbon content analysis, one can readily calculate intrinsic material carbon footprint reductions. Process carbon and environmental footprint is determined using LCA methodology. End-of-life options, specifically biodegradability needs careful considerations and should be critically evaluated. PLA (poly (lactic acid), bio-PE, and bio-PET are used as illustrative examples.