By turning canola meal, a common waste product from oil production, into valuable materials like bioplastics, carbon-capture electrodes, and sustainable packaging, Queen’s University researchers are transforming how agricultural byproducts are used. This breakthrough strengthens Ontario’s clean technology leadership, reduces waste, and creates new opportunities for farmers and manufacturers to grow the province’s bio-economy.
The researchers extract natural polymers such as cellulose and proteins from renewable sources like canola meal and microalgae, engineering them into nanomaterials that can replace traditional plastics. These innovations add value to existing agricultural products, reduce waste and help lower plastic pollution.
To guide the adoption of these technologies, the project, which unites multiple universities, industry leaders, and farmers, also focuses on developing a policy roadmap for the emerging canola bioeconomy that will help assess economic impact, support farmer participation, and advance a more sustainable and circular agricultural system that benefits communities across Ontario.
For more information, visit Queen’s University.
