Canada Invests in Eco-Friendly Alternative to Plastic Microbeads
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Innovation within Canada’s forest sector is critical to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. That is why Canada is investing in new and innovative technology to support the industry, protect the environment and strengthen our economy.
Marc G. Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development (CED) for Quebec, today announced a total of $4.25 million toward Anomera Inc. to support the construction of a demonstration-scale facility that will produce 250 tonnes per year of carboxylated-cellulose nanocrystals (cCNC) and bring its cosmetics ingredients and industrial products to market.
Anomera’s demonstration facility will create up to 20 new permanent jobs and solidify Canada as a leader in nanocellulose technology. The novel technology that is being commercialized as part of this project, carboxylated-CNC, will lead the company to meet its first targeted market: a green solution to replace plastic and silica microbeads in personal care and cosmetics with its biodegradable product line, ChromaPur. The eco-friendly conversion process developed by Anomera is also creating new, high-value market streams for the Canadian forest sector and is resulting in non-traditional partnerships in cosmetics and industrial applications.
Natural Resources Canada’s $2.25 million in funding for this project is provided through Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program, which encourages the Canadian forest sector to adopt and put in place unique technologies and processes to diversify into new product streams and emerging markets. By investing in innovative technologies, the forest sector can provide greener solutions that will help tackle climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.
The $2-million repayable contribution provided to Anomera by CED will be used to purchase equipment under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. This program is geared toward entrepreneurs who leverage innovation to grow their business and make it more competitive, as well as other regional economic stakeholders who are helping to create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to growth for all, across all regions.
