Small Vancouver startup believes it's created the solution to plastic pollution
Researchers working in partnership with UBC believe an eco-friendly material could help solve the world’s plastic pollution problem.
Bioform Technologies says its patented process involving kelp, wood fibre and minerals could produce a plastic-like material that’s environmentally friendly.
“It’s real and we’re planning on basically taking over,” said Ramy Younes, lead design engineer, with a slight chuckle.
The team launched in 2019 and currently has just six employees and a few UBC student interns. Younes says they’re currently in the testing phase of their product, which could potentially have countless applications.
“Everywhere around you there’s plastic, so we’re hoping to be able to replace as much of it as we can,” said Younes.
One environmental advocate tells CTV News that the plastic problem increased during the pandemic, and is projected to get worse.
“We’re seeing upwards of 13 million tonnes of plastic entering the ocean every year at this point in time,” said Carlos Drew, executive vice-president of conservation at Ocean Wise. “Plastics are likely to triple by 2050.”
Younes says the process of creating the material includes custom printing, pressing and molding. He says they’ve tested out the material as a replacement for plastic mulch used in farming and plastic cutlery. Younes also claims its cost is similar to plastic, and that it decomposes in about six weeks.
“We’re not bringing something that’s cheaper and sacrificing material properties,” said Younes. “It’s a material property match to plastics and in some cases, better.”
Drew says he welcomes the idea of eco-friendly innovation.
“I do endorse this immediately as a potential replacement for single-use plastic because they will be bio-degradable if done correctly,” said Drew.
Bioform Technologies plans on moving to a bigger location to ramp up production in the next year.
Younes doesn’t hold back on his team’s ambition, saying the’ve already received interest from major manufacturers and food service industry leaders from around the world. With several countries already attempting to limit plastic use through regulation, Younes strongly believes it’s a product that could go global.
“That’s the dream.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Most of the city is evacuating': Gridlock on Alberta highway after evacuation order in Fort McMurray
Four Fort McMurray neighbourhoods were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday as a wildfire gets closer to the city.
Sask. police seize 1.5M pieces of evidence, lay 60 more charges in child exploitation case
Saskatchewan RCMP have revealed that a historic sexual assault investigation has led to the discovery of alleged crimes against children dating back to 2005.
'Inappropriate' behaviour shuts down Dublin to New York City portal
Less than a week after two public sculptures featuring a livestream between Dublin, Ireland, and New York City debuted, 'inappropriate behaviour' in real-time interactions between people in the two cities has prompted a temporary shutdown.
Oilers starting Calvin Pickard in goal for Game 4 vs. Canucks
The Edmonton Oilers will start Calvin Pickard in net Tuesday for Game 4 of their playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks.
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker rails against Pride month, working women in commencement speech
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker railed against Pride month, working women, President Biden's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and abortion during a commencement address at Benedictine College last weekend.
King Charles III unveils his first official portrait since his coronation
King Charles III has unveiled the first portrait of the monarch completed since he assumed the throne, a vivid image that depicts him in the bright red uniform of the Welsh Guards against a background of similar hues.
Full List Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
Alberta announces the 4 health agencies that will replace AHS later this year
The province has released more information on its plan to break up Alberta Health Services and replace it with four sector-based health agencies.
Biden administration moving ahead on US$1 billion arms package for Israel, AP sources say
The Biden administration has told key lawmakers it is sending a new package of more than US$1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel, two congressional aides said Tuesday.