Gatineau – Plastic pollution is a growing problem, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and the economy. Every year approximately six million tonnes of tire wear particles are released into the global environment. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting Canadian businesses in developing innovative solutions to plastic pollution.
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the three Phase 1 recipients of the latest Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenges to address plastic pollution from tires. These small- and medium-sized Canadian companies will each receive up to $150,000 toward developing environmentally acceptable and cost-effective solutions that will reduce the release of microplastics from tire wear in Canada.
The following companies are receiving funding to develop their proof of concept:
- Applied Quantum Materials Inc.,in Edmonton, Alberta, is developing a specialized reinforcing additive for tires to minimize microplastic release over different road and temperature conditions.
- Nova Graphene Canada Inc., in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is developing a graphene-enhanced rubber that could reduce tire-wear shedding and extend the life of tires.
- Stema Punch and Die Inc., in Cambridge, Ontario, is creating specialized compositions for tires to improve their wear and help stop the shed of microplastics.
The Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenges are part of the Innovative Solutions Canada program. The Challenges seek solutions for sectors that generate some of the greatest quantities of plastic waste and pollution and/or show the greatest opportunity for impact and innovation. These Challenges are part of the Government of Canada’s commitments to reduce plastic waste and pollution, while growing the economy and creating good jobs.
“Our Government is committed to ending plastic waste in Canada. We need smart innovations to create a more circular economy to recycle the plastics we consume. By providing funding to small- and medium-sized businesses through the Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenges, we are giving a boost to the development of technology to address plastic pollution and help move Canada toward its goal of zero plastic waste.” – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change