A Canadian study will investigate PHA fibres

Next Generation Manufacturing (NGen), a Canadian industry organisation, is investing $6 million in a new initiative to develop and scale bioplastics and biofibres.

StormFisher, a manufacturer of organic waste and renewable energy solutions, will spearhead efforts with Genecis Bioindustries.

“This project exemplifies NGen's commitment on transformational advanced manufacturing solutions,” stated NGen CEO Jayson Myers.

Genecis and StormFisher will establish a demonstration-scale technology unit at the latter's Resource Recovery Centre. The centre will convert organic waste feedstock into PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) biopolymers. PHA fibres are biosynthetic alternatives to fossil fuel-based materials, and could help reduce the industry's carbon emissions output by switching out synthetics. Backed by the likes of Bestseller, Norrøna, PVH Corp and the fabrics division of W. L. Gore & Associates, the initiative will run until the end of next year.