Rafael Auras

Rafael Auras is a Professor and the Amcor Endowed Chair in Packaging Sustainability at Michigan State University's School of Packaging. He leads a dynamic research group focused on developing sustainable packaging systems derived from renewable resources and mitigating end-of-life effects of these systems. His work addresses critical environmental challenges posed by conventional plastics, particularly "white pollution" caused by accumulation of human-made materials in the environment.

Dr. Auras earned his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the National University of Misiones in Argentina, an MS in Materials Science and Technology from the National University of San Martin in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a PhD in packaging from Michigan State University.

His research centers on three main pillars: developing novel biobased and biodegradable polymers (particularly polylactic acid, poly(hydroalkanoates), and thermoplastic starch), tailoring polymer biodegradability through understanding abiotic and biotic degradation phases, and designing sustainable packaging systems using life cycle assessment methodologies. His work bridges materials science, environmental engineering, and sustainability science to address packaging's role in the circular economy and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Dr. Auras' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on life cycle assessment methodologies, biodegradation mechanisms of polymers under various environmental conditions, and development of high-performance biobased packaging materials with improved barrier properties. His research has significant implications for reducing plastic waste, particularly in food packaging applications where contamination often prevents conventional recycling.

• Amcor Endowed Chair in Packaging Sustainability
• Editorial Board Member - Food Packaging and Shelf Life (Elsevier)
• Editorial Board Member - Polymers (MDPI)
• Editorial Board Member - Journal of Packaging Technology and Science (Wiley)
• Representative member for Sustainable Packaging Coalition

Dr. Auras has supervised numerous undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral researchers, with current students focusing on stereocomplex PLA structures, life cycle assessment of packaging systems, and sustainable packaging design. He teaches PKG 470 (Packaging Sustainability), PKG 825 (Polymeric Packaging Materials), and PKG 880 (Life Cycle Assessment), having co-authored the textbook "Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging: from Design to End of Life" to support these courses.

The Auras Lab at MSU maintains state-of-the-art equipment for polymer characterization, biodegradation testing, and life cycle assessment modeling. The lab collaborates extensively with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies on research projects addressing sustainable packaging challenges, with particular focus on creating packaging solutions that minimize environmental impact while maintaining functionality.