| | The Alberta Biomaterials Development Centre (ABDC) is intended to be a premier centre for sustainable bioindustry commercialization in Canada offering industry access to a network of highly qualified staff and specialized equipment for the rapid and effective development of biomaterials, biochemicals and bioenergy. The ABDC network extends beyond just equipment and researchers. Guiding industry clients to the government or partner services available that best advance each client's project is an integral function of the new Centre.
Our goal is to bring biomaterials (advanced products and sustainable solutions) to market," says Trevor Kloeck, leader of biomaterial development for Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton. "These biomaterials are made of agriculture- and forestry-based feedstocks with the focus being on forest residues, cereal straws, flax and hemp. We take under-utilized feedstocks from forestry and agricultural practices and convert them into value-added products. This utilizes Alberta's natural advantage in biomass to develop new economic opportunities for agriculture in the areas of biomaterials."
The centre will work closely with industry, producers, institutions, government, funding agencies, non-government organizations from around the world and in various sectors (agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, oil and gas, transportation, environment, etc.) Demand is increasing for environmental goods such as biomaterials. There is a need to fill technical gaps in processing and business gaps to get these products to market.
The ABDC is a $15-million investment by partners Advanced Education and Technology through the Alberta Life Sciences Institute, Agriculture and Rural Development, Sustainable Resource Development and the Alberta Research Council.
Farmers and processors want to find a way to connect with manufacturers and consumers to supply sustainable products," says Kloeck. "With the fundamental shift in consumer commitment to sustainability, biomaterials offer producers and processors a way to differentiate and secure demand for their products. Sustainability is not an option, it is a must."
The ABDC allows clients to develop their businesses and access expertise along the entire value chain from producer, on-farm processor, product manufacturers, distributors to retailers.
"In 10 years time, Alberta producers will be contributors in building homes, developing consumer products and protecting the environment in exciting and novel ways," says Kloeck. "This is what we can expect if we change the way we do things and are open to the opportunity for advancement of a sustainable and profitable Canadian bioeconomy."
Contact:
Patti Breland
Project coordinator
780-853-8181
Trevor Kloeck
780-427-2347 |
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