Category
COVID-19
Sabic’s polypropylene material finds use in N95 masks
The material enables the first-ever local production of N95 masks in Saudi Arabia.
COVID-19 home testing kits: should we be worried about their environmental impact?
Many parts of the world classify testing kits as medical waste, and as such they need to be burnt in incinerators without any option for energy recovery.
Canadian employers plan to keep strong hiring practices heading into new year, survey says
Employers are strongly in favour of COVID-19 vaccination for employees, the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey says, and express openness to remote work for some roles.
COVID litter: we mapped discarded masks and gloves in 11 countries with the help of citizen science
We found strong links between mask litter and national laws or policies requiring mask wearing.
U.S. plastics production since COVID-19 recession should continue to bounce back, report says
Plastic products manufacturing in the U.S. in October 2021 increased 20.2 per cent from the end of the COVID-19 recession in April 2020, according to the Plastics Industry Association.
Lessons from COVID-19 for the next pandemic: We need better data on workplace transmission
The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the importance of work on health outcomes.
U.S. plastics industry trade improves in 2021 after 2020 pandemic slump, report says
The Plastics Industry Association report said that Mexico and Canada remained the U.S. plastics industry’s largest export markets.
Plastic resin emerges as tiniest example of enduring COVID-19 supply chain crunch
Industry experts say the ongoing shortage of the ubiquitous material is unlikely to be resolved quickly, and that plastic resin price hikes are trickling down to consumer goods and adding to inflation.
Report indicates continued U.S. plastics industry growth in 2021
Real plastics industry shipments are expected to increase 2.2 per cent this year following a 0.9 per cent decrease last year, according to the Plastics Industry Association’s latest Size & Impact report.
McMaster Innovation Park announces mandatory vaccination policy
The policy at the research and innovation park in Hamilton, Ontario takes effect on Nov. 1.
Global plastic compounding market will reach $93.1 billion by 2028: report
Rapidly developing construction and automobile sectors are anticipated to drive the demand for interiors, exteriors, and under-the-hood components, the report from Research & Markets said.
Most Canadian manufacturers support a vaccine passport, survey says
The survey of nearly 1,000 manufacturing companies by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters shows that 69 per cent of respondents support vaccine mandates and passports.
As people continue working from home, the monthly transit pass needs to change to remain worth it
The pandemic has been long enough for habits to have changed; avoiding public transit, using a car and working from home are likely to stick.
Ontario to require proof of vaccination in select settings
As of Sep. 22, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof, along with photo ID, to access certain businesses, public settings and facilities.
Small businesses continue to struggle with debt, CFIB says
Canadian businesses that have taken on COVID-related debt owe an average of nearly $170,000, according to a new CFIB report.
Winnipeg’s Precision ADM acquires Roswell Downhole Technologies
The companies will manufacture Canada’s first biopolymer-based compostable non-wovens for PPE production.
Rapid COVID-19 test kits now available to SMEs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario
More than 2,000 pharmacies have signed up to be part of this federal initiative so far.
Canada moving forward with vaccine passports for international travel
The federal government says it will collaborate with the provinces and territories to develop a proof of vaccination that will facilitate cross-border travel.
Moderna to build mRNA production plant in Canada within two years
The drug maker has signed a memorandum of understanding to build the plant, but the location has not yet been announced.
Canada’s small businesses could be saved by converting them to co-operatives
It could be an answer for firms that don’t have a formal succession plan in place.
Ontario awards two contracts to manufacture 500 million face masks
Ontario firms Viva Healthcare Packaging and Canada Masq will produce 500 million level 1 and level 2 face masks over the next five years.
Ontario moving to step three of reopening on July 16
Step three of the roadmap focuses on the resumption of additional indoor services with larger numbers of people and restrictions in place.
New face mask prototype can detect COVID-19 infection
Developed by researchers at Harvard and MIT, the mask’s sensor technology could also be used to create clothing that detects a variety of pathogens and other threats.
Ontario moldmaker Coreprint Patterns gets $860,000 to make components for COVID-19 tests
The investment aims to strengthen the Ontario supply chain for critical components for COVID-19 testing.
New partnership tackles the growing problem of single-use face masks as litter
Sabic, Procter & Gamble Co, and Fraunhofer Institute Umsicht are working together on a new closed-loop recycling pilot project for the masks.
Manufacturing industry continues to lose millions due to border issues, survey says
Sixty-nine per cent of respondents have experienced loss of contracts due to border issues.
Medicom to open new Montreal subsidiary to produce raw material for PPE
The manufacturing subsidiary, which is receiving federal government funding, is part of a strategy to provide Canada with domestic production of this meltblown polypropylene filter.
Insulated panels for COVID-19 vaccine storage facilities made with BASF material
A Malaysian insulated panel, commercial and industrial refrigeration systems producer now manufactures COVID-19 vaccine logistics facilities made with Elastopir PH 1132/509/0, a polyurethane rigid foam insulation solution.
SPE introduces new COVID-19 category for Auto Innovation Awards
The award will highlight how automotive OEMs and suppliers adapted their processes, materials, or business to support international needs for battling COVID-19.
Ontario medical device maker develops new PPE solution
The Canadian Shield’s Vizor eye shield is made of 100 per cent recyclable plastic that attaches to face masks.
Ontario ramping up COVID-19 inspections in manufacturing workplaces
About 100 provincial offences officers will visit 1,500 workplaces in Toronto, Hamilton, and regions of Durham, Halton, Peel, and York between May 10 and May 28.
Ontario investing $690,000 in the manufacturing sector
The training program is led by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, and the online courses will be offered at no cost to the employee.
