BIOMES: "From Silage to Sillage: Designing Specialty Chemicals From Waste" presented by Julian Silverman, Assistant Professor, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

About the Seminar:

Waste is inextricably linked to environmental disasters, social inequity, and economic opportunity. Composed of chemically complex mixtures, waste streams can be fractionated, processed, and upgraded into ingredients and materials used to create the consumer goods and packaging that make up the cosmetic and personal care products we use every day. Leveraging the scientific method, we can systematically deconstruct waste and, using systems thinking, design and engineer the next generation of consumer products that foster circular methodologies. This talk examines how abundant agricultural and municipal wastes, including lignins and spent oils, can be transformed into a variety of soft materials such as surfactants, fragrances, and packaging materials. Focusing on selective oxidation’s polyphenolic and lipidic feedstocks can be upgraded into functional intermediates that store carbon in biobased chemicals and materials. By contrasting powerful and mild oxidants, such as ozone and Oxone, we can selectively target aldehydes like vanillin or soybean oil–derived epoxides that can replace petroleum-derived chemicals. Two case studies focused on fragrances and adhesive packaging materials highlight both the chemical opportunities and the practical challenges of ensuring that current and future products are safe for consumers and do not harm local environments. Complementing these technical considerations, the talk underscores the necessity of collaboration across chemistry, engineering, design, and the arts when addressing complex sustainability challenges. By connecting Green Chemistry principles, such as waste prevention, with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including responsible production and consumption, we can enable strategies that meet present needs while remaining resilient to future, unknown challenges.

About the Series:

Over the last fifteen years, the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) has hosted this weekly seminar series. The school's flagship forum is designed to bring cutting-edge research and impactful work to the community.

BIOMES stands for 'Bridging Issues & Optimizing Methods in Environmental Studies".

The series is a community-sourced and student-led effort to bring different perspectives to YSE's main stage.