Canada Supports Innovation for Compostable Bioplastic
The Government of Canada continues to encourage alternatives to plastic waste. We are dedicated to creating jobs and driving innovation by investing in climate solutions.
Joël Lightbound, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert, on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., today announced a $1-million investment to BOSK Bioproducts Inc. as part of the second phase of the Bioplastics Challenge. This challenge is aimed at helping small businesses reduce pollution by turning forest-based residue into sustainable plastic materials.
With this funding, BOSK Bioproducts Inc. will focus on the installation of a small-scale production line for proto-typing the formulations of compostable bioplastics made from forest biomass, developed at National Research Council Canada. Additionally, it will allow for product formulation and better compatibility with existing industry manufacturing equipment.
As part of the first phase, BOSK Bioproducts Inc. developed a highly compostable and cost-effective new bioplastic made from paper mill sludge and wood fibre residue that could be used in areas like 3D printing, food packaging, plastic bottles and containers for cosmetics.
Natural Resources Canada collaborated with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to implement this challenge as part of the Domestic Plastics Challenge under the federal government’s Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC). ISC is a $100-million program dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in developing innovative and sustainable solutions to complex environmental challenges. The government may then act as a first customer, helping these small businesses to commercialize their innovations, scaling up their business and creating good jobs for Canadians.
Clean innovation benefits our economy, our communities and our well-being. Investments in bioplastics present new opportunities in the forest industry while fighting global pollution and embracing a sustainable way of life for the future.