Government lends its support toward development of compostable bioplastics

The Canadian government is backing innovations that encourage compostable bioplastics, and has made an investmen of $1 million to BOSK Bioproducts Inc. The Quebec City-based company will use the funding to explore the installation of a small-scale production line for proto-typing compostable bioplastics formulations made from forest biomass.

BOSK’s work represents the second phase of a bioplastics challenge geared towards helping small businesses turn forest-based residue into sustainable plastic materials, thereby reducing pollution. In the project’s first phase, BOSK developed a compostable and cost-effective new bioplastic made from paper mill sludge and wood fibre residue. This can be used in such applications as 3D printing, food packaging, plastic bottles and containers for cosmetics.

Natural Resources Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are working together as part of the Domestic Plastics Challenge under the federal government’s Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC). The $100-million ISC project supports entrepreneurs and small businesses in the development of innovative and sustainable solutions to complex environmental challenges. The federal government, in turn, helps small businesses commercialize their innovations, scale their business and create jobs.

“Canada’s forests offer us so much, and we’ve become leaders in finding new ways to use this rich resource,” Seamus O’Regan Jr.
minister of natural resources, said. “Bioplastics made from forest biomass are compostable. They can reduce plastic waste in our landfills. They can be used in 3D printing and food packaging. It’s good for the environment, and it’s good for jobs.”