New green polymer technologies will benefit the environment, manufacturers and consumers

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English

Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI in French 2

September 28, 2018 – Lethbridge, Alberta – Western Economic Diversification Canada

Our government supports research that will lead to innovative technologies and processes that will improve biodegradable plastics and their production.

Today, the Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced a contribution of $ 1,000,000 for University of Lethbridge. Financial assistance is provided through the Western Diversification Program.

The University of Lethbridge receives funding to establish a green polymer and technology center on the campus site. The center will design innovative biodegradable technologies and plastics that will improve the energy efficiency and profitability of producing plastics-based products.

The center will focus on optimizing the properties and manufacturing conditions of biodegradable plastics. Normally, manufacturers produce plastics from fossil fuels, resulting in build-up in landfills and the ocean. The recycling or burning of these plastics also emits pollutants and greenhouse gases. This investment will help make the production of biodegradable plastics more competitive and efficient, and thus help to reduce the environmental impact of plastics consumption.

Focusing on clean technology, innovation and growth is a key element of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. As a result, Canada will focus on creating and sustaining globally competitive Canadian businesses as we transition to a low-carbon economy.

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"The Government of Canada is working to elevate our country to a world leader in fighting climate change, protecting the environment, and finding innovative clean technology solutions. As plastics continue to accumulate on our lands and oceans, they pose a growing threat to our environment, livelihood and health. The establishment of the Green Innovative Technologies and Polymers Technology Center demonstrates the University of Lethbridge's commitment to finding solutions to this new challenge, as well as the Government of Canada's support for technology. new and sustainable products that help reduce plastic waste. "

The Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"Canadians know that we must protect our environment and our precious natural resources. Plastics are an integral part of our lives, and they represent an important source of waste. That's why we support the design of unique technologies that will help reduce their production of plastic waste. "

The Honorable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Mill Woods

"The Green Polymers and Technology Center is an excellent example of how the University of Lethbridge is working with industry to build a more sustainable future for the communities it serves. The research conducted by Paul Hazendonk (PhD) and his team, in collaboration with Bill Spenceley and Flexahopper, will result in economic benefits for manufacturers while having less damaging effects on the environment. "

Erasmus Okine (PhD), Vice President, Research, University of Lethbridge

"Our company is pleased to be a local industry partner in this project, and we look forward to harnessing the talents and capabilities of the University of Lethbridge. Through this collaboration, we expect our teams to make significant advances in the sustainability of our operations. "

Bill Spenceley (BASc '81, Chemistry, UdeL), President, Flexahopper Plastics Ltd.

Quick facts

Plastic processing is a growing sector of the Canadian manufacturing industry; New markets for biodegradable plastics are expected to reach US $ 3.4 billion by 2020.

By reducing energy costs and creating new markets for biodegradable products, western Canadian plastics companies can increase their profit margins by at least 2.2 percent. And reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

As chair of the G7 Summit this year, Canada has taken the opportunity to encourage other members to look at marine litter and plastics in the oceans. The Ocean Plastics Charter has been signed by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the European Union, committing them to take the necessary measures to promote management sustainable plastics and resource efficient.

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Contacts

Donna KinleyRegional Manager, CommunicationsWestern Canada DiversificationTelephone: 780-495-6892Email: Donna.Kinley@canada.ca

Greg VilkUniversity Manager LethbridgeLethbridge, Alberta Phone: 403-317-2860 Email: greg.vilk@uleth.ca

JW (Bill) SpenceleyPresidentFlexahopper Plastics Ltd.Lethbridge, Alberta Telephone: 403-328-8146E-mail: bspenceley@flexahopper.com

Stay connected

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and / or sentence structure not be perfect.