Alberta group funds $2.5 million biocomposite study

A new $2.25 million project being carried out by the Alberta Research Council (ARC) is looking at ways to use Alberta-grown hemp fibres and Alberta manufactured polymers to produce a sustainable biocomposite.

Products made from biocomposites include car parts, building materials and other consumer goods, said Dr. John Wolodko, program leader at ARC. Those types of products work as well as those made from conventional materials and they can have the added advantages of being lighter and less expensive. The ability of environmentally friendly biocomposites to compete with non-renewable products like fiberglass makes for a promising future for the industry.

This is another example of how the Alberta government is committed to growing Albertas bioeconomy, said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. This project has the potential to provide new opportunities for economic growth, particularly in rural Alberta.

The project is sponsored by the Province of Albertas Advanced Education and Technology program. Industry partners include Vancouver, B.C.-based fibre and fabric manufacturer Naturally Advanced Technologies, and Edmonton-based polymer supplier AT Plastics Inc.