Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), announced $1 million for the University of Lethbridge for research to improve biodegradable plastics and their production.
“The centre for green polymers and technologies is a prime example of how the University of Lethbridge works with industry to create a more sustainable future for the communities it serves,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, vice-president research, University of Lethbridge. “The research being conducted by Dr. Paul Hazendonk and his team, in collaboration with Bill Spenceley and Flexahopper, will translate into economic benefits for manufacturers with less impact on the environment.”
Funding is being provided through the Western Diversification Program.
The University of Lethbridge is receiving funds to establish a green polymer and technologies centre on campus. It will develop innovative biodegradable plastics and technologies that make producing biodegradable plastic products more energy efficient and cost effective.
The centre will focus on optimizing the properties and manufacturing conditions of biodegradable plastics. Typically, manufacturers produce plastics from fossil fuels, which has led to an accumulation in landfills and in the ocean. Recycling or burning these plastics also emits pollutants and greenhouse gases. This investment will help make biodegradable plastics more competitive and efficient to produce and further help reduce the impact of consuming plastics on the environment.
(Western Economic Diversification Canada)
