Government Of Canada Funds Cutting-Edge Company Specializing In Non-Wood Pulp Production That Reduces Waste And Conserves Forests
KELOWNA – Canada’s cleantech entrepreneurs are proving their power to take on today’s environmental challenges. Working in partnership with innovative companies, the Government of Canada is supporting the growth of a greener economy.
The Federal Government announced an investment of $3.8 million in Kelowna-based Red Leaf Pulp through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). This is the first SDTC investment in Red Leaf Pulp and part of a partnership that will help the company improve its process for converting agricultural residues into pulp.
“Red Leaf Pulp’s technology enhances the utilization of existing annual feedstocks by optimally converting agricultural residues into a fully sustainable pulp product for tissue, packaging and moulded product suppliers. This funding is allowing us to gain momentum in the global pulp marketplace while supporting Canada’s agricultural sector by providing growers with diversified revenue from existing crops,” said Martin Pudlas, CEO of Red Leaf Pulp.
The company has developed a revolutionary process for turning agricultural residues with no former end use into high-quality cellulose pulp, which can be used in recyclable consumer products like packaging, moulded cups and plates, tissues and towels, and printing and writing paper.
“Canadian entrepreneurs are driving the innovation that is moving us towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. This investment will enable Red Leaf Pulp to rapidly accelerate and commercialize its ideas and continues the momentum of public and private commitments to advancing clean technology,” said Leah Lawrence, President and CEO of SDTC.
SDTC is an independent federal foundation that funds companies with the potential to become world leaders in environmental technologies and is Canada’s largest funder of clean technology entrepreneurs.
This environmentally conscious pulping method could be a game changer in the paper industry, in addition to conserving Canada’s forests, which are a vital stabilizing force for the global climate. Red Leaf Pulp will soon open its first operating plant in Saskatchewan, where it will use wheat straw with no previous high-value end use as the raw material to produce pulp.
Clean technology companies currently employ more than 211,000 Canadians in rewarding, well-paying jobs.