Our recent summer internship programme featured four diverse student projects, supported and supervised by a collaboration of scientists and researchers from the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
The projects ran for a 12-week period from November 2025 to February 2026, with students based with our research partners and supporting businesses for that time.
Posters summarising the findings and outcomes from the projects will be displayed at our Sustainable Solutions Symposium being held in Rotorua in May.
Over the past four summers, we have supported nearly 40 student internship projects with each student receiving a $14,000 grant. We also support master’s and PhD students in their research.
Further details on the 2025/26 projects are below.
Bio-based materials for land-use applications: engineering porosity (student: Andrea Mascarenhas)
Andrea’s project explored how natural waste materials from agriculture and forestry could be turned into useful products. The focus was on creating porous bio-based materials, such as aerogels and cryogels. These materials have very small holes throughout their structure, which makes them useful for holding and releasing substances like microbes or agrichemicals.
The idea behind the project was to see if these materials could be used in farming. For example, they could help deliver fertilisers more effectively, support pest control, or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Instead of applying products directly to the soil, farmers could use these materials as carriers that release substances slowly over time. This could improve efficiency and reduce waste.
A key goal of the project was to move beyond theory and test whether these materials could actually be made from low-value biological sources. Andrea worked with waste materials that are often discarded or underused and explored ways to process them into useful forms.
The results showed that it is possible to begin creating these porous materials from such sources. While still at an early stage, this provides a strong proof-of-principle. It shows that waste materials can be transformed into something valuable and functional.
This work opens the door for further research and development. In the future, these materials could become sustainable, locally produced alternatives to imported agricultural products. This could benefit farmers by improving productivity, while also reducing environmental impact. It may also create new opportunities for New Zealand to develop and export innovative bio-based products.
Protein-based bio adhesives from secondary waste streams (student: Jeri Masangkay)
Jeri’s project focused on developing sustainable adhesives using proteins sourced from waste materials. These included dairy waste, hides, feathers, and wool. The aim was to explore how different proteins—such as casein, collagen, and keratin—could be combined with natural additives to create useful adhesives.
The project began with a review of existing research. This helped identify possible applications for protein-based adhesives, including wood bonding, wearable sensors, wound care, and body tapes. Based on these uses, Jeri selected practical testing methods, such as shear testing for wood and peel testing for fabrics. This ensured the project stayed focused on real-world performance.
Next, raw materials were sourced and prepared. One key material was dairy-derived powder obtained from industry partners. Jeri also developed an improved method for removing fats from this material. This reduced unpleasant odours, making it easier and more practical to work with.
The project then moved into formulation. Different combinations of proteins and natural additives, such as gelatin and plant-based gums, were tested. One mixture in particular—made from defatted dairy material, gelatin, and glycerol—showed strong potential. This demonstrated that relatively simple combinations could produce effective adhesives.
In the final stage, the adhesives were tested. Some performed well in bonding wood, while others worked better as peelable adhesives for fabrics. Rather than using highly technical testing methods, the project focused on practical, application-based testing. This helped keep the work relevant and easy to apply in real situations.
Overall, the project successfully demonstrated that bio-based adhesives can be made from waste materials. The findings highlight strong potential for these products, especially in wood bonding and peelable applications, and provide a clear path for future development.
Microplastic destruction by hydrothermal oxidation (student: Sophie Bye)
Sophie’s project tackled the growing problem of microplastics in organic waste and she worked closely with the team at Cetogenix during her internship. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are often found in wastewater, food waste, and biosolids. Current treatment methods, such as composting and anaerobic digestion, do not break down these plastics. As a result, they can end up in the environment.
The project focused on a process called hydrothermal oxidation (HTO). This is a high-temperature, oxygen-rich process that can break down materials into simpler compounds. While HTO has been studied before, there is limited information about how well it works on microplastics mixed with organic waste.
Sophie set out to answer three key questions: whether HTO can fully destroy common types of microplastics, whether the presence of biomass affects the process, and how to confirm that the plastics are completely removed.
The results were very promising. The study showed that HTO, at 240°C and high oxygen pressure, was able to fully destroy microplastics across five common polymer types. No remaining microplastics were detected using standard testing methods, including microscopy and infrared analysis.
Importantly, the presence of biomass did not reduce the effectiveness of the process. This suggests that HTO could work well in real-world waste streams, where plastics are mixed with organic material.
These findings highlight the strong potential of HTO as a solution for microplastic contamination. The project also identified next steps, such as testing smaller plastic particles and more complex waste types and analysing the by-products of the process.
Overall, this work provides a valuable step toward cleaner waste management systems and reducing plastic pollution in the environment.
Food contact assessment of moulded fibre trays (student: Matthew Parker)
Matthew’s project focused on developing sustainable alternatives to plastic food packaging. Building on earlier work, the project looked at moulded fibre trays made using agricultural byproducts such as blueberry pomace, avocado stones, and cabbage leaves. These materials are often treated as waste, but they have potential to be reused in packaging.
The key question was whether these trays are safe and suitable for food contact. To test this, Matthew produced trays using a mix of these byproducts and wood pulp fibres. Additives were included to improve water and grease resistance.
The trays were then tested using food-simulating liquids, such as water and heptane, under different conditions. These tests are designed to measure whether any substances from the packaging could transfer into food. The results were compared against strict limits set by international food safety standards.
The findings showed that all trays met the required limits after further testing, meaning they are potentially safe for food contact. However, the study also found that the addition of some byproducts affected performance. For example, avocado stone improved strength, while blueberry pomace reduced it when used in high amounts. Water and grease resistance were also impacted, particularly with higher levels of byproducts.
Despite these challenges, the results are encouraging. They show that agricultural waste can be used to create packaging materials, although further optimisation is needed. Additional testing of the raw materials will also be required before full approval can be achieved.
This project highlights an important step toward reducing plastic waste and creating more sustainable packaging solutions.
For more information on our student funding options and how to apply, see here: https://bioresourceprocessing.co.nz/apply-now/application-form-students/
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