蹤獲扞⑹ names laboratory in recognition of industry partner's support for sustainable innovations
A generous equipment donation from Browns Bay Packing Company Ltd. and its subsidiary Seawise Innovating Packaging has enhanced 蹤獲扞⑹s research capacity with the launch of a new state-of-the-art lab dedicated to advancing plant-based biopolymers.
Prince George, B.C. 蹤獲扞⑹ has named a new research facility on its Prince George campus to honour a donation of specialized equipment from industry partner that is accelerating innovation in sustainable materials.
The Seawise Biopolymer Processing Lab is the first laboratory at 蹤獲扞⑹ dedicated to producing plant-based biopolymer samples for research purposes, including the exploration of environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The new lab houses a state-of-the-art extruder and supporting equipment valued at more than $350,000.
This generous contribution from Browns Bay Packing and its subsidiary, Seawise Innovative Packaging, expands the Universitys capacity to innovate and empowers 蹤獲扞⑹ researchers and students to lead in the transition to more sustainable technologies, says 蹤獲扞⑹ President Dr. Geoff Payne. The naming of this lab recognizes the incredible impact this gift will have on the University, and the broader community, for years to come.
Located in Room 106 of the Research Laboratory Building, the Seawise Biopolymer Processing Lab serves as a hub for 蹤獲扞⑹ researcher Dr. Hossein Kazemian and his team, who are working in partnership with the Campbell River-based company to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions to conventional plastics and polystyrene foam.
Donating this equipment to 蹤獲扞⑹ was an investment in a cleaner future and the kind of forward-thinking research that can get us there, says Seawise Innovative Packaging Chief Executive Officer Jesse Knight. Our collaboration with 蹤獲扞⑹ is grounded in a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. is dedicated to revolutionizing the packaging industry with sustainable options creating value, while reducing the industrys environmental footprint.
The partnership between Browns Bay (Seawise) and 蹤獲扞⑹s began in late 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when many research labs across the province were shut down. NALS remained operational and Browns Bay reached out to discuss a potential collaboration on biopolymer research.
The project presented an exciting opportunity to mobilize our research expertise to develop a local solution with the potential for global impact, says Kazemian, NALS Director. At the time, we lacked the extruder, which was a critical piece of equipment to advance the work. Thanks to Browns Bays generosity, 蹤獲扞⑹ now has a leading-edge facility that supports this innovative research into developing tangible solutions to the urgent environmental challenge of petroleum-based packaging.
Gifted directly to 蹤獲扞⑹, the extruder was installed in May 2022. Since then, the research team has developed a recyclable hybrid thermal packaging solution called Thermoloc, while continuing work on a fully biodegradable solution.
Our relationship with 蹤獲扞⑹ continues to grow through our shared vision to leverage innovative materials science to solve a pressing industry challenge, says Knight. The research coming out of the Seawise Biopolymer Processing Lab directly supports our mission to transition to sustainable packaging and play a role in advancing B.C.s leadership in clean technology. Were honoured to have this facility reflect not only that commitment, but also the power of partnerships to drive meaningful change.
The new lab will facilitate the next phase of the collaborative research development between Seawise and 蹤獲扞⑹. Several recent funding awards, including a BC Innovate Ignite Award and award, will support transforming the lab-proven Thermoloc prototype into a commercially viable product.
Industry partnerships like this collaboration with Browns Bay and Seawise are vital to 蹤獲扞⑹s ability to conduct impactful research, says 蹤獲扞⑹ Vice-President Innovation and Research Dr. Paula Wood-Adams. This lab supports breakthrough research and provides valuable hands-on learning experiences for our students, helping to prepare the next generation of scientists and leaders working towards a more sustainable future.
To date, the joint research initiative has received $1.2 million from industry funding contributions, with additional in-kind contributions and support from the provincial government, the and the .
The funding supports two graduate students and two postdoctoral researchers working in the new lab, providing valuable experience in biopolymer formulation and advanced packaging technology development.