Dr. Kojo Agyapong Afrifah graduated from Michigan State University in 2012 with PhD and MS in Forestry and Packaging, respectively. Since then, his research themes have been in the areas of Packaging and Wood Science and Technology with emphasis on bio-based and petroleum-based plastics and materials, natural fiber plastic composites, food and medical packaging, distribution packaging, postharvest management systems and renewable energy from sawmill and agricultural residues. In addition to his research, he has been involved in curriculum development. He initiated and led the development of MSc/MPhil Packaging Technology and Management, BSc. Packaging Technology and BSc. Furniture Technology and Management programs for the Department of Wood Science and Technology and the Institute of Distance Learning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.

Dr Afrifah has worked in close collaboration with researchers specialized in packaging, microbiology, postharvest physiology, horticulture, food science, communication design, pulp and paper science, material science and sensory analysis, as well as with farmers, commodity groups, plastic suppliers, and packaging equipment suppliers locally and abroad. He and his undergraduate and graduate research team interests include, but are not limited to the following areas:

• Development of manufacturing processes and material formulations from natural/renewable plant resources and improving on the shortcomings of existing materials for packaging and other innovative applications. Properties of these new materials are optimized based on the requirements of their intended applications for their successful commercialization.
• Extension of the shelf life of whole and minimally processed fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and cereals using innovative packaging technologies (modified atmosphere packaging, controlled atmosphere packaging, and active packaging). Assessments are based on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial changes caused by product/package interactions.
• Development of packaging systems that successfully move a product to its end destination with minimal damage.
• Development and optimization of the quality of pulp and paper from timber and non-timber biomaterials for production of packaging, decoration and writing materials/papers. Optimization of the properties of the papers are explored using Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Development of energy from agricultural and sawmill residues to reduce pressure on the forest for fuelwood and ensure sustainable utilization of timber resources. The research in this area focuses on the development of briquettes and determination of their utilization potential.
• Ergonomic design of packaging systems (for food, pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices) and furniture to promote convenience of use, consumer satisfaction and wellbeing.
• Control of packaging waste and assessment of environmental footprint of packaging using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies.

Students and visiting scholars interested in joining Dr. Afrifah's research group can contact him directly.