Solegear Bioplastics

Research and Development

Solegear began its research and development efforts in 2006, focusing on the development of bio-based, high-performance, compostable injection molded plastics. Polysole was developed using Green Chemistry with an initial focus on applications requiring greater performance from a strength, durability and processing standpoint. Later development produced technologies and materials for thermoforming and film applications, also with increased performance characteristics. Solegear has consistently been developing its technologies in collaboration with leading Canadian research institutions.

NRC Industrial Materials Institute, Boucherville, Quebec

Solegear signed a joint collaboration research agreement with NRC's Industrial Materials Institute in February 2012, and performs applied research with the Polymer Bioproducts team, which is led by Nathalie Legros.

École Polytechnique, Montréal, Quebec

Solegear has been collaborating with École Polytechnique on bioplastics technology development since July 2010, working with the Chemical Engineering group under Dr. Charles Dubois.

University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia

Solegear performs its R&D with the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the University of British Columbia.

NRC-IRAP

Canada's National Research Council through its support institute, NRC-IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program), awards funding to Canadian businesses focused on developing proprietary and breakthrough technological innovations. Solegear has been a consistent recipient of IRAP funding since 2007.

Western Economic Diversification Canada

In July 2015, Solegear was selected to receive funding from the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative. WINN is a program offered by Western Economic Diversification Canada, a federal department in the government. Designed to spur innovation and economic development, WINN helps small and medium-sized technology businesses to commercialize their products, services and processes. WINN funding was allocated to 27 businesses across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba this year.

r-pac International Corporation

In 2014, r-pac and Solegear completed an exclusive agreement to accelerate the production, sales and distribution of Solegear’s Polysole and Traverse thermoformed packaging. r-pac delivers a wide portfolio of packaging and products across a broad range of categories to many global brands, including Target and Walmart.

Thermoform Engineered Quality (TEQ), Huntley, Illinois

In December 2014, Solegear signed a strategic agreement with US-based TEQ, an industry leader in retail and medical packaging, to accelerate the growth and expansion of Solegear’s bioplastics into identified growth sectors of the rigid packaging marketplace.

Ex-Tech Plastics, Richmond, Illinois

Solegear and Ex-Tech Plastics, a US-based plastic extruder entered into commercial partnership in March 2015 to manufacture and distribute Solegear’s next generation Traverse bioplastics in the North American market.

Columbia Plastics, Surrey, British Columbia

In May 2015, Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc. solidified a partnership with Columbia Plastics Ltd, a custom injection molding company, to manufacture and distribute products made with Solegear’s Polysole® bioplastics. In July 2015 they agreed to launch six sustainable bioplastic office products (Clip-Mate™, Memo-Mate™, File-Mate™, Pencil-Mate™, Self-Stacker and Desk Tray) in a commercial agreement with TOPS Products Canada.

Polysole

Polysole® is a compostable biopolymer. Polysole contains a high percentage of bio-based content and no Chemicals of High Concern (CoHCs). At the end of their useful lives, all Polysole products can be either recycled or composted in industrial facilities and turned into the same nutrients that were used to produce them. Polysole is suitable for both rigid packaging and durable goods applications, such as children's toys and cosmetics cases. It currently is available in three grades: Polysole TF, Polysole XD, and Polysole LV, with "TF" standing for "thermoforming", "XD" standing for "extra durability", and "LV" standing for "low viscosity", the latter two being injection molding grades.

Traverse

Traverse® is a biocomposite material designed to meet challenging performance requirements, such as high heat resistance or fire retardancy. Made with the maximum possible amount of plant-based material and no Chemicals of High Concern (C0HCs), Traverse is specifically designed for high performance applications that have not yet been possible with standard bioplastics. All Traverse products are 100% recyclable.

International Patents

Solegear currently has four patent-pending composite materials across its two product lines.

2014 City of Vancouver Award of Excellence for Business Innovation

In June 2014, Solegear was awarded a City of Vancouver Award of Excellence for Business Innovation. The recipients of this award were nominated by the public, and chosen by the City Council based on the nominees’ influence, impact and achievements in their category.

2014 GLOBE Association Award for Best Emerging Technology

In March 2014, Solegear Bioplastics was awarded the GLOBE Foundation Best Emerging Technology Award for 2014. The award acknowledges the technology with the most promising potential to provide the greatest financial return from broad commercial application.

2013 Global Cleantech Cluster Association Later Stage Award

In November 2013, Solegear Bioplastics announced that it had won the Best in BioFuels/BioEnergy from the Global Cleantech Cluster Association (GCCA). The GCCA Global Top 10 Winners were selected by 22 Cleantech venture capital and private equity investors and serial entrepreneurs, who collectively manage over $3.5 billion in global clean technology investment.

2012 Banff Venture Forum

In October 2012, Solegear was chosen as the Best Presenting Company for Energy & Cleantech at the 14th annual Banff Venture Forum in Alberta, Canada. With the 2012 Forum hosting in excess of 40 venture capital firms, 47 presenting companies and 350 delegates, it is Canada's premier growth company financing event.

BCIC New Ventures

In September 2010, Solegear received three awards in the BCIC New Ventures competition, including the BCIC Economic Impact Prize and the BC Hydro Sustainability Prize.

Frost & Sullivan

In August 2010, Solegear was recognized by Frost & Sullivan with the 2010 New Product Innovation of the Year Award.