Grant: Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
University of Manitoba
$199,100.00
Microbial Degradation of PLA in Organic Compost Systems
FY 2023-24 · 2023-09-01
Summary
Industrial compositing facilities apply similar methods and practices for
composting of organic wastes (food residues, branches, trees, etc.) to
compostable plastics. However, common compostable plastics, such as
PolyLactic Acid (PLA), have different chemistry and physical characteristics
than the organic wastes and are much more durable under biological attacks.
The composting conditions used for organic wastes are not appropriate for
plastics. Hence, compostable plastics, like PLA, cannot be composted in a
short timeframe as other organic wastes at industrial composting facilities, so
they are rejected and sent to landfill sites. There is an urgent need to
redesign the composting operation for such plastics. Based on its extensive
expertise with biodegradation of plastics, the University of Manitoba will
collaborate with the NRC to develop solutions and parameters to tackle the
biodegration of food plastic packaging waste challenge and allow these to be
suitably processed for biodegradation rather than landfilled.
Department
Program
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Recipient
Location
Winnipeg|Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Business Number
119260669
Type
Grant
Source
Proactive Disclosure - Grants and Contributions
Amendments
Each version of the agreement as published, oldest first, with its total as of that version. The amount above is the latest.
| Amendment | Date | Fiscal Year | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2023-09-01 | 2023-24 | $199,100.00 |
| 1 | 2023-09-01 | 2023-24 | $199,100.00 |
As published
Additional Information
This agreement has been amended 1 time(s). The end date of this agreement has been modified by 212 days.
Additional Information (French)
Cet accord a été modifié 1 fois. La date de fin du présent accord a été changé de 212 jours.
Agreement End Date
2026-03-31
Agreement Number
1008878
Agreement Start Date
2023-09-01
Agreement Title
Microbial Degradation of PLA in Organic Compost Systems
Agreement Title (French)
Dégradation microbienne du PLA dans les systèmes de compostages des matières organiques
Agreement Type
Grant
Agreement Value
$199,100.00
Amendment Date
2025-08-20
Amendment Number
1
Description
Industrial compositing facilities apply similar methods and practices for
composting of organic wastes (food residues, branches, trees, etc.) to
compostable plastics. However, common compostable plastics, such as
PolyLactic Acid (PLA), have different chemistry and physical characteristics
than the organic wastes and are much more durable under biological attacks.
The composting conditions used for organic wastes are not appropriate for
plastics. Hence, compostable plastics, like PLA, cannot be composted in a
short timeframe as other organic wastes at industrial composting facilities, so
they are rejected and sent to landfill sites. There is an urgent need to
redesign the composting operation for such plastics. Based on its extensive
expertise with biodegradation of plastics, the University of Manitoba will
collaborate with the NRC to develop solutions and parameters to tackle the
biodegration of food plastic packaging waste challenge and allow these to be
suitably processed for biodegradation rather than landfilled.
Description (French)
Les installations de compostage industrielles appliquent aux plastiques compostables des méthodes et des pratiques qui sont semblables à celles du compostage de déchets organiques (résidus alimentaires, branches, arbres, etc.). Cependant, les caractéristiques chimiques et physiques des plastiques compostables ordinaires, comme l’acide polylactique (PLA), diffèrent de celles des déchets organiques. De plus, les plastiques compostables sont beaucoup plus résistants aux attaques microbiennes. Les conditions de compostage mises en œuvre pour les déchets organiques ne conviennent pas aux plastiques. Il s’en suit que les plastiques compostables, comme le PLA, ne peuvent pas être compostés dans de courts délais, comme il en va pour les déchets organiques dans des installations de compostage industrielles; ils sont alors écartés et envoyés dans des décharges. Il est urgent de développer un nouveau concept pour les opérations de compostage qui s’appliquent à ces plastiques. En s’appuyant sur sa vaste expertise en matière de biodégradation des plastiques, l’Université du Manitoba collaborera avec le CNRC afin d’élaborer des solutions et des critères pour faire face au défi que pose la biodégradation des déchets d’emballages alimentaires en plastique, et faire en sorte qu’on puisse le traiter de façon appropriée aux fins de biodégradation, au lieu de les enfouir.
Expected Results
In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.
Expected Results (French)
À court terme, les résultats prévus seront des collaborations renforcées entre l'industrie, le milieu universitaire et le gouvernement pour soutenir l'excellence en recherche. À moyen terme, les résultats attendus seront le développement de nouvelles technologies potentiellement perturbatrices avec des collaborateurs. À long terme, trouver des solutions collaboratives aux défis des politiques publiques et créer des systèmes d'innovation plus solides.
Federal Riding
Winnipeg South
Federal Riding (French)
Winnipeg-Sud
Federal Riding Number
46012
NAICS Code
541710
Organization Code
nrc-cnrc
Organization
National Research Council Canada | Conseil national de recherches Canada
Program Name
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Program Name (French)
Programme de collaboration en science, en technologie et en innovation - Initiatives de collaboration en R-D
Program Purpose
Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.
Program Purpose (French)
Collaborer à des programmes multipartites de recherche-développement dans le but de profiter de la synergie entre la recherche transformatrice à haut risque et à haut rendement et le potentiel de découvertes scientifiques et de percées technologiques révolutionnaires dans des secteurs d’intervention prioritaires.
Recipient Business Number
119260669
Recipient City
Winnipeg|Winnipeg
Recipient Country
CA
Recipient Legal Name
University of Manitoba
Recipient Postal Code
R3T 2N2
Recipient Province or Territory
MB
Recipient Type
S
Reference Number
172-2023-2024-Q2-1008878