SUBSTANCE  
Stories about the stuff that shapes our world.

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Latest Episode: Fiber

In this episode of SUBSTANCE, host Joe Hanson explores the unique capabilities of fibers like hemp or coconut and where they can be used sustainably: From the automotive industry to coastal protection.

BASF expert Shengzhong Zhou, PhD, explains how a BASF binder turns natural fibers in a surprisingly stable and very lightweight material and how this can change automotive industry. He also presents the "Future Chair," co‑developed with BASF from bamboo fibers, which was awarded for sustainable design and material innovation in 2025.

Julie Schumacher and Zack Royle from the nonprofit American Littoral Society also turn to fibers for a global ecological challenge: to stop erosion on the New Jersey coast, they developed a method to restore the beach and rebuild the marsh – using coconut fibers that would otherwise end up as waste.

Listen now!

Our guest: Shengzhong Zhou, PhD

Shengzhong Zhou serves as Business Director for BASF’s Adhesives & Fiber Bonding division in Asia Pacific, where he promotes solutions that unite industries and advance sustainability. He was awarded a PhD in Chemistry by the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London in 2011. That same year, Zhou commenced his career with BASF, and for over a decade he has held various leadership roles spanning research, sales, and marketing. He holds a Master’s degree in Polymer Materials Processing Engineering from Tongji University, Shanghai, and a Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Material Science and Engineering from Nanjing University of Technology in China.

Our guest: Julie Schumacher

Julie is a Habitat Restoration Coordinator at the American Littoral Society in Sandy Hook, USA. The non-profit organization was founded in 1960 to promote the study and conservation of marine life and habitat. Schumacher graduated with honors from Stockton University with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science in 2015. She started her carrer as Education and Outreach Coordinator for the society’s Education department. From running field trips to public speaking, she works to engage people of all ages and backgrounds on the vast diversity and importance of our coastal ecosystems.
 

Our guest: Zack Royle

Zack Royle is Habitat Restoration Project Manager of the American Littoral Society. His work at the Society involves assisting with the management of grants, fish monitoring, living shorelines, educational outreach, and permitting. Prior to joining the American Littoral Society, Zack worked for seven years in the private sector as an environmental consultant, gaining experience in wetland delineations, as well as species and habitat monitoring. Zack holds a Master of Science in Biology from Georgian Court University and teaches part-time in the agriculture department at Rowan College South Jersey.  

Our host: Joe Hanson, PhD 

Joe Hanson is an internationally recognized science communicator. Before working in science media and education, he researched genetic engineering and cancer biology, obtaining a PhD in biology from the University of Texas.

He is the creator, host, and head writer of Be Smart, a YouTube science education show with more than 5 million subscribers on YouTube.
Hanson has won Webby and Telly Awards and the Kavli Science Journalism Award for his work. 

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