BioMatera Inc., which operates in the sector of biopolymer materials for industrial use, has developed a new, technologically-advanced and entirely biodegradable PHA polymer material for multiple applications. Placing the firm at the competitive forefront, this revolutionary new material, with potential uses in the packaging, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries, among others, holds tremendous promise for the future.

For this precommercial production phase, BioMatera intends to set up a small-scale manufacturing site on the premises of the Centre de haute technologie Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean, where the firm is currently headquartered. The funds from Canada Economic Development will enable the enterprise to acquire various equipment and cover the costs associated with commercial development and patent applications. Once this project has been completed, BioMatera will be in a position to proceed to the industrial production stage and to better ensure its corporate growth.

“Today, more than ever before, any realistic vision of the future must centre on sustainable development and protecting the environment for the benefit of generations to come. The research and development carried out by BioMatera have led to the design of an innovative material that, by reducing the harmful effects of plastics on our environment, satisfies a growing demand and offers huge potential for the future. Moreover, the highly technological nature of this value-added product makes it of key importance to the economic diversification of the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean region,” stated Minister Blackburn.

The technological advances made by BioMatera give the enterprise a significant competitive advantage in the area of sustainable development. Indeed, these advances make it possible to replace petroleum-based products, which take hundreds of years to decompose, with considerably faster degrading PHA polymers.

“The activities carried out by BioMatera fit well with our country’s innovation strategy. Canada’s new government is committed to encouraging SMEs to turn to innovation as a means of rising to the challenges of the 21st Century and of making the most of new opportunities, both here and around the world,” added Minister Blackburn.

This funding from Canada’s new government is awarded under the Regional Strategic Initiative (RSI) for Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean implemented by Canada Economic Development, whose mission is to promote the long-term economic development of the regions of Quebec by placing particular emphasis on those where slow economic growth is prevalent or opportunities for productive employment inadequate.