This presentation will provide an introduction of the bioproduct research and development conducted at the University of Guelph and how it supports transition toward a Circular Economy. The concept of a Circular Economy envisions a “waste-free” world and looks to foster environmental, societal, and economic change through a closed resource loop system (take-make-use-reuse/recycle/biodegrade) compared to the current linear economic approach (take-make-use-dispose).The research focusses on improving the sustainability of plastic technologies for both durable and single use applications.

 

Renewable resources from non-food agricultural residues and industrial waste stream feedstocks can be used to fabricate new biobased products. These bioproducts are innovated for a variety of applications, with the overall goal to reduce landfilling, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Applications of our materials are being developed for green and compostable packaging, light-weighting automotive parts, and various consumer products.