Industrial & Environmental Biotechnology in Canada

Industrial biotechnology applies the science of biotechnology for industrial purposes, using cells, enzymes and renewable organic material for manufacturing, alternative energy creation and production, and to develop a range of sustainable biomaterials.

Across the globe, industrial biotechnology firms are renewing traditional industries, from chemicals to forestry and automotive manufacturing with renewable products and processes. These technologies offer environmentally cleaner solutions, using and reusing what is traditionally considered waste – corn stalks or even garbage - as feedstocks for consumer and industrial products, from fuels to environmental cleanup solution.

What is industrial biotechnology?

Many Bio-industrial products are everyday items found in Canadian households: shingles, insulation, carpet, linoleum, detergents, shampoo, cosmetics, lotions, soap.

Some are industrial solvents, paints, glues, or lubricants.

Bio- pesticides, and bio-remediation using yeast or bacteria offer new solutions for oil spill cleanup, biodegradable pesticides, or safe municipal sewage and water cleanup options.

Bio-fuels, inducing grain-based biofuels, cellulosic ethanol and Green hydrocarbons such a biodiesel offer renewable transportation options and generate valuable co-product chemicals with uses ranging from pharmaceutical additives to industrial application.

Enzyme creation and optimization, to create faster and more effective processes, is a key area of industrial biotechnology.

Benefits of Industrial & Environmental Biotech

By its' focus on use and reuse of biomass materials Industrial biotechnology creates economic advantages to farmers, industry, and rural communities. Environmental benefits at the global, regional, and local levels-including sustainability-and other benefits to society with increased human health and safety.

From the Economist to the OECD, global experts are identifying a shift from the "fossil-based" to the "bio-based" economy.

Today, Industrial biotechnology is playing a crucial role in remaking the economy.  In Canada, this bio-based economy contributed 6.35% (78.3 billion dollars) to our GDP every year.