From field to fibre: the Canada Foundation for Innovation and Innovation Saskatchewan help fuel new biomass processing capacity in Saskatchewan
December 12, 2023 – Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Innovative Manufacturing Centre (IMC) has new fibre processing capacity thanks to funding from Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Innovation Saskatchewan for a state-of-the-art agricultural biomass processing line. This new equipment will significantly enhance Sask Polytech’s ability to support innovative manufacturing projects and provide students with valuable applied research opportunities.
Located at the Biomaterials Testing and Prototyping (B-TAP) facility in Hafford, approximately 100 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, the new agricultural biomass processing line will lead to new sustainable and environmentally friendly innovations with community and industry partners. The B-TAP facility will play a crucial role in expanding the IMC's capabilities to develop and commercialize products made from agricultural biobased materials. With the addition of this new processing line, Sask Polytech can now process biomass from hemp and flax crops, including the long (bast) fibres from the outer bark, and the woody inner tissue (known as hurd or shive) to produce clean fibres for various applications.
“With the ability to process fine fibres Sask Polytech will be able to work with more industry partners on applied research into environmentally friendly manufacturing projects,” says Dr. Satya Panigrahi, Sask Polytech research chair, Innovative Manufacturing. “This new processing line will increase Sask Polytech’s manufacturing capabilities. We will be able to help industry create new commercially sustainable and environmentally friendly products. Utilizing agricultural residues for biomass processing helps reduce the environmental impact of agricultural waste by converting it into valuable and reusable materials. Instead of letting crop residues go to waste or burn, it can be utilized for productive purposes, contributing to environmental sustainability.”
The B-TAP processing line will enable Sask Polytech to process crop biomass, including residues from stalks, straw, husks, and other byproducts, into useful bio-based manufacturing materials. This practice promotes waste management and mitigates the release of greenhouse gases, leading to new revenue streams for agricultural biomass and contributing to environmental sustainability. Additionally, it can assist with carbon sequestration and enable businesses to take advantage of carbon credits.
“This investment marks a significant milestone for our Innovative Manufacturing Centre, positioning it as a leader in sustainable manufacturing and providing industry with unparalleled opportunities to engage in cutting-edge applied research and development,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “With new fibre processing capacity, Sask Polytech is poised to make a lasting impact on Saskatchewan’s manufacturing industry, fostering innovation and environmental sustainability.”
Extensive consultation with industry experts has identified numerous applied research projects that could benefit from this new equipment. Sask Polytech faculty, researchers and students collaborate with the private and public sector on applied research projects. These projects take many forms including product development, process design, technology adoption and proof of concept. Using state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and faculty expertise Sask Polytech delivers solutions and helps industry to capture new opportunities. Intellectual property for all applied research projects is retained by industry, creating more incentive for future creative engagement and ongoing collaboration.
Sask Polytech received $130,472 in funding from CFI for this new processing line. CFI, a non-profit corporation, invests in research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions. Innovation Saskatchewan is matching the CFI contribution of $130,472, and the project is also supported by the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Academic Innovation Fund.
"Our partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Canada Foundation for Innovation is more than an investment in technology; it's a commitment to the future of Saskatchewan,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister responsible for Innovation. “By introducing new fibre processing capabilities, Sask Polytech is not only bolstering our local economy and benefitting the broader community but also laying a foundation for sustainable growth and diversification in our province. This initiative at IMC crucially supports our clean tech sector, especially those working in agricultural biomass, marking a significant step in nurturing innovative companies in the field.”
To learn more about applied research at Sask Polytech visit saskpolytech.ca/research.