Category
Research & Development
Recycled plastic dishwasher component proves a big point
German researchers have demonstrated that recycled plastic can perform similarly to virgin plastic if the recyclate is processed efficiently.
3D-printed plastic knee brace gives relief for the elderly
The new X-Brace was developed in a collaboration between engineering firm Delsson and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Government of Canada invests in Montreal recycler Polystyvert
The $3.5-million investment is being made through the Sustainable Development Technology Canada foundation.
DSM and partners earn SPE award for using recycled ocean plastic in Ford SUV
The wiring harness clips are also the first of many potential uses by Ford for recycled ocean plastics in a major vehicle platform.
Milacron donates equipment to Ohio university for plastics engineering program
The equipment allows students at Shawnee State University’s plastics engineering technology program to develop skills.
Ontario firms Aduro, Switch Energy partner to recycle agricultural plastics
The companies are in discussions about building a pilot plant in Sarnia to recover polyethylene and polypropylene used in agriculture.
Coca‑Cola unveils first 100 per cent plant-based plastic beverage bottle
A limited run of approximately 900 of the prototype bottles have been produced.
Oil companies are ploughing money into fossil-fuelled plastics production at a record rate – new research
As traditional demands for oil are declining as the transport sector is increasingly electrified, the oil industry is seeing plastics as a key output that can make up for losses in other markets.
Researchers turn sulfur into self-extinguishing flame-retardant plastics
Developed at the University of Arizona, the high-end thermoplastic elastomer is rubbery, elastic, and moldable compared to stiffer plastics.
B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy is now operational
The Centre aims to bring together innovators, industry, governments and academics to accelerate the commercialization and scale-up of B.C.-based clean energy technologies.
Scientists want to develop visible radiation-resistant bioplastics for optical applications
The materials have to be able to withstand emitted radiation at the short-wave end of the visible spectrum.
Toy maker Spin Master creates $100-million venture capital fund
The new Spin Master Ventures fund will make strategic minority investments in toys, entertainment, and digital games.
Self-destructing plastic wins design contest award
The technology involves embedding polyester-eating enzymes in the plastic that, once triggered, cause it to completely degrade in days.
GM building giant battery development lab in Detroit suburb
The automaker is working on several new battery chemistries, including solid state, which have solid conducting material instead of the liquid electrolyte.
SPE thermoforming division announces parts competition winners
Quebec molder Plastique Art won the ‘Vacuum Forming – Gold’ award for an enclosure assembly of eight thermoformed parts that house a high-end intensive care unit ventilator.
The Circular Plastics Taskforce completes Phase I of its initiative to support a circular economy for plastics
The goal of Phase I was to conduct a detailed mapping of the value chain of the plastics recycling industry in Quebec, to determine market needs and to establish optimization hypotheses.
Microsoft, Sabic partner on new mouse with 20 per cent recycled ocean plastic shell
The Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse is Microsoft’s first product made with recycled ocean plastic.
Genomatica and lululemon collaborate to develop plant-based nylon for apparels
Nylon is the largest volume of synthetic material currently used to make lululemon products.
McMaster Innovation Park announces mandatory vaccination policy
The policy at the research and innovation park in Hamilton, Ontario takes effect on Nov. 1.
Scientists develop mathematical modeling tool to predict polymer properties
The tool will allow researchers to predict the properties of polymer networks before they’re even created.
Researchers develop new laminate that changes colour when deformed
The colour change alerts people to a possible material failure at an early stage.
Cascades launching 100% recycled packaging for its Fluff & Tuff product line
The new packaging for the bathroom tissue brand is also recyclable.
New lightning protection system for thermoplastic wind turbine blades
Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have designed a way to protect thermally welded wind turbine blades from failure caused by lightning strikes.
NGen announces $40 million automotive zero-emissions manufacturing challenge
The supercluster to invest up to $20 million in R&D projects for battery and fuel cell electric vehicles.
Feds invest in first made-in-Canada electric vehicle
The Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association is getting $5 million in funding through FedDev Ontario to support Project Arrow.
Online plastics platform Knowde gets $72 million in financing
The Series B financing is being led by technology investment firm Coatue.
Volkswagen turns to acrylic resin for new black and white emblems
A combination of two Plexiglas Hi-Gloss materials is used by Austrian automotive supplier Ulbrichts GmbH to create the emblem’s modern look.
Researchers develop pine sap-based thermally stable plastic
A Florida State University research team’s discovery of a new plastic derived from pine sap has the potential to be a gamechanger for new sustainable materials.
Turning automotive plastic waste into new sustainable materials
A new research project involving Eastman shows how to recycle automotive-industry mixed plastic waste in the automotive supply chain.
A new water-based solution for recovering add-on value from waste plastic
Ontario-based Aduro Clean Technologies has developed a novel chemical conversion process to transform waste plastics into renewable fuels and specialty chemicals.
The ocean is full of tiny plastic particles – we found a way to track them with satellites
To understand how microplastic pollution is affecting the ocean, scientists need to know how much is there and where it is accumulating.
StackTeck optimizes TRIM pail design to pass UN test standards
The pails are eight per cent lighter than a benchmarked industry standard five-gallon pail, while meeting UN standards 7.4 (drop test) and 7.5 (compression test).
