Bio-Based Chemicals: Initiatives

The IBI and SCI initiatives are working with provincial, national and international industry representatives to establish Alberta as a preferred supplier of ingredients and materials to the vibrant and growing global cosmetics, personal care and household cleaning products industries; and to develop complimentary or novel chemicals for global manufacturers of industrial chemicals. Our researchers and facilities are world class and are attracting interest both domestically and globally.

Together the IBI and SCI initiatives will improve competitiveness in the bio-industrial sector by utilizing market-focused business development approaches to increase market access, deliver business investment activities and build capacity for Alberta bio-based chemical commercialization. These initiatives are focusing on the development and commercialization of bio-based feedstocks/catalysts/enzymes, chemicals/specialty chemicals, products, packaging and platform technologies through industry partnerships and collaborations.

The key objectives for bio-based chemical industry development and expansion include:

• Creating new uses for traditional and non-traditional crops - a critical component in the supply chain of new and novel Alberta crops from farm to end-user.
• Diversifying the economy through growth of high value-added bio-based chemical industries.
• Enhancing collaboration opportunities between industry and researchers by demonstrating Alberta’s bio-based chemical ingredient industry capabilities.
• Facilitating industry expansion and investment attraction of commercial scale biorefining/processing facilities in Alberta.