The Canadian government has announced funding to support the development of biomass-based alternative material that could replace traditional nylon used in automobile manufacturing and other industries.
On Nov. 16, Agriculture and Food Canada said it will invest $499,433 to help Competitive Green technologies develop a biobased alternative to fossil-based nylon.
With technical expertise from the University of Guelph’s Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre, the company is developing a new biocomposite material from resin and natural fiber derived from agricultural waste.
The new biocomposite material could be used by the automotive industry to produce stronger, more environmentally friendly car parts using more renewable content at a lower cost. The Canadian government also said the use of agricultural residues to produce this biocomposite could lead to new economic opportunities for farmers.
“We are really happy to have created an impact by working with AAFC on this project—nano-enhanced, ag biomass-based hybrid bio-composites for light-weighting automotive,” said Mike Tiessen, president of Competitive Green Technologies. “AAFC funding has resulted in an industry needle-mover. As a farmer and President of Competitive Green Technologies, I am absolutely delighted to see the value-add to agriculture through this innovative technology break-through.”
The investment was made under Growing Forward 2’s AgriInnovation Program—Research & Development stream, which ended March 31, 2018. Similar projects will be supported under the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriScience Program, a $388 million initiative that runs through 2023.
Fuente: BIOMASS MAGAZINE