Grants and Contributions:
Title:
Microbial Degradation of PLA in Organic Compost Systems
Agreement Number:
1008878
Agreement Value:
$199,100.00
Agreement Date:
Sep 1, 2023 - Mar 31, 2026
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.
Organization:
National Research Council Canada
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.
Location:
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA R3T 2N2
Reference Number:
172-2023-2024-Q2-1008878
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Business Number:
119260669
Recipient Type:
Academia
Additional Information:
This agreement has been amended 1 time(s). The end date of this agreement has been modified by 212 days.
Amendment Date
Aug 20, 2025
Recipient's Legal Name:
University of Manitoba
Federal Riding Name:
Winnipeg South
Federal Riding Number:
46012
Program:
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
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.
NAICS Code:
541710
Amendments: