UNBC names Biopolymer Processing Lab after industry partner

UNBC has named a new research facility at the Prince George Campus in honour of a donation of specialized equipment from industry partner Brown’s Bay Packing Company that is accelerating innovation in sustainable materials.

The Seawise Biopolymer Processing Lab is the first at UNBC dedicated to producing plant-based biopolymer samples for research purposes, including the exploration of environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

This new lab also houses a state-of-the-art extruder and supporting equipment valued at more than $350,000.

“This generous contribution from Brown’s Bay Packing and its subsidiary, Seawise Innovative Packaging, expands the University’s capacity to innovate and empowers UNBC researchers and students to lead in the transition to more sustainable technologies,” said UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne.

“The naming of this lab recognizes the incredible impact this gift will have on the University, and the broader community, for years to come.”

The Seawise Biopolymer Processing Lab serves as a hub for Dr. Hossein Kazemian and his team, who are working to develop eco-friendly-packaging solutions to conventional plastics and polystyrene foam.

“Donating this equipment to UNBC was an investment in a cleaner future and the kind of forward-thinking research that can get us there,” said Seawise Innovative Packaging CEO Jesse Knight.

“Our collaboration with UNBC is grounded in a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. Seawise is dedicated to revolutionizing the packaging industry with sustainable options, ˗˗˗ creating value, while reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.”

The extruder was installed in May 2022, and helped Dr. Kazemian’s team develop thermoloc, a recyclable hybrid thermal packaging solution, while continuing to work on a fully biodegradable solution.

The new lab will facilitate the next phase of the collaborative, research development between Seawise and the University.