Canadian government and NRC to develop innovative vehicles and construction materials

The Government of Canada and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) have launched a five-year, $55-million initiative to help create more fuel-efficient vehicles and greener construction materials.

The Industrial Biomaterials program will allow Canadian firms to transform agricultural and forestry by-products to create new materials and reduce the use of petroleum-based polymers (plastics). It will also combine resources from Canadian businesses to advance research and development in the manufacturing of industrial biomaterials.

Bioresins, biofibers and biocomposites made from Canadian non-food biomass such as wood, lignin, grain husks, flax and hemp stems are environmentally friendly and can provide manufacturers with sustainable and durable green products to use in next-generation automobiles and building materials.

NRC is investing $30 million and the other $25 million is being funded through collaborative projects with industry, academic institutions and other government departments.