Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) has awarded Red Leaf Pulp Ltd. $3.8 million to commercialize an innovative pulping technology using wheat straw and other sustainable agricultural resources along with wood-based pulp in traditional applications.
With its technology, Red Leaf will enhance utilization of existing agricultural resources, support the agriculture industry, and lower the carbon intensity associated with producing paper and packaging materials.
"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.
Martin Pudlas, CEO of Red Leaf Pulp, noted, "As sustainability efforts intensify globally, and tissue and packaging suppliers realize the advantages of an annual feedstock such as wheat straw, Red Leaf's technology is gaining momentum in the marketplace."
"Along with our consortium partners Allnorth, Valmet, IEM and CNG, we appreciate the significant support of the federal government towards making Red Leaf's innovations a success," Pudlas added.
Red Leaf Pulp's initial plant under development in Regina, Saskatchewan will have the capacity to produce approximately 182,000 metric tons of market pulp annually from wheat straw collected from local producers when it commences production in 2024.
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