67: Transforming Household Waste Into Climate-Positive Thermoplastics (ft. Derek Schaefer)

<p>Where there are people, there is waste. And with so many of us, the amount of waste generated has reached 2 billion tons a year and continues to grow at an alarming rate. What if there was a way to put all this waste to good use? This is exactly the question that sparked the foundation of UBQ Materials.</p> <p> </p> <p>Check out our <a href='https://www.subscribepage.com/msecompanies'>MSE Company Database</a> and free <a href='https://www.subscribepage.com/mseprofessionaldevelopmentguide'>professional development guide</a> for materials scientists and engineers!</p> <p> </p> <p>Today we welcome Derek Schaefer, the Vice President of Sales and Business Development at UBQ Materials, a company that converts unsorted, “unrecyclable” waste to thermoplastics.</p> <p> </p> <p>With him we discuss:</p> <p> </p> <p>🔹️How can you turn a chicken bone or banana peel into common polymers like polypropylene and polystyrene</p> <p>🔹️How can you use your knowledge of materials science and engineering to contribute to UBQ’s mission. </p> <p>🔹And much more!</p> <p> </p> <p>Learn more about our <a href='https://www.mseacademy.com/courses/students-tier-2'>MSE Career Development Online Course</a>, which includes more industry-specific information and advice.</p> <p> </p> <p>Join our Discord <a href='https://discord.gg/49dCV3W4eN'>community</a>! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field. </p> <p> </p> <p>Also, check out our <a href='https://www.itsamaterialworldpodcast.com/shop'>MSE-themed merchandise</a> if you want to support us or simply show off your love of materials science!</p> <p> </p> <p>For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on <a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpUXt6ui8iC5npSizlfIJ2A'>YouTube</a>. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/itsamat