A Circular Economy Solution to Plastic Waste in the Beekeeping Industry: From
Prototype to Field Trial

Muhammad Arshad, Kelsey Deutsch, Emily Devereux, Tiffany Smith, Izzy Corvalan,
Deeptha Wickramasekara, Justice Asomaning, Xiaohua Kong

Plastic waste is an increasing concern for many industries due to the potential environmental harm that can occur when plastic waste is not properly managed.
Transforming a linear economy of plastic where the materials are disposed of at their end of life, into a circular economy where plastics become a resource for new products, is one way to address the rising concern. To this end, an opportunity to improve the end of life of beehive foundations used in the industry has been developed in collaboration with the Alberta beekeeping industry. Currently beehives foundations are manufactured from difficult to recycle plastics, such as polystyrene, and are disposed of at their end of life. As such, this work has developed prototype 3D printed beehive foundations from polypropylene as an alternative material to current beehive foundation materials to facilitate recycling of used foundations. A washing procedure has also been developed to remove residue that limit the recyclability of beehive foundations. Each step is an important aspect to address in improving the end of life circularity of beehive foundations in Alberta and beyond.

Targeting Approaches to Facilitate Recycling of Drinking Pouches in Alberta

Kelsey Deutsch, Muhammad Arshad, Emily Devereux, Tiffany Smith, Izzy Corvalan,
Deeptha Wickramasekara, Selamawit Messele, Heather Kaminsky, Justice Asomaning,
Xiaohua Kong

Multilayer drinking pouches pose a challenge for conventional recycling streams and as a result, pouches made form multilayer films are often not recycled within Alberta. Multilayer films can have a complex structure composed of multiple plastics, metals, adhesives, and inks. The combination of materials improves the overall functionality of films relative to one material alone. To facilitate recycling of multilayer films, separation of the different plastics and components is required. To that end, drinking pouches have been characterized to understand composition of pouches commonly found in Alberta. By understanding the complex design of drinking pouches, targeted approaches can be developed for separation or conversion of pouch materials for recycling and value-added processes.

Guest Speaker

Lori Koebel

ABCRC

As Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation’s (ABCRC’s) Director of Sustainability & Stakeholder Relations, Lori leads efforts to drive engagement and awareness in beverage container recycling across Alberta. With over a decade of experience in the deposit return system, she has played a key role in advancing circular economy initiatives, collaborating with industry partners, policymakers, and communities to enhance recovery systems, improve consumer participation, and drive meaningful environmental outcomes. Lori is passionate about leveraging education and communication to accelerate sustainable behavior change and increase return rates.

Guest Speaker

Peter Zhou

Carbon Upcycling

Peter joined Carbon Upcycling Technologies back in 2018 as an early-stage employee in and supported the company through its growth from pre-seed to Series A, and he currently leads advanced material and composites product development at Carbon Upcycling.

He’s passionate about bring together the best plastic value-chain partners and great materials to unleash new applications of thermoplastics. Over the past few years, he has managed collaborations that have launched several 1sts of its kind captured carbon solutions from degradable mulch films, cosmetic packaging, to industry leading performance 3D printing solutions.

On paper, he’s a professional engineer and was trained in chemical engineering, but in action, he’s a self-taught organic chemist with bit and pieces of processing experience in the plastic value chain.

Coupling Low-Cost Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy with Machine Learning: Accelerating Plastics Identification and Impurity Detection in the Recycling Industry

Authors: Mohammed Al-Khayyat, Arash Alizadeh, Salman Obaidoon, and João B. P. Soares*

Presenter: Mohammed Al-Khayyat Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada 

The shift toward circularity demands cost-effective solutions for monitoring the composition and purity of plastic recyclates. In this project, we explore the integration of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with machine learning to classify polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and their blends in the presence of other possible impurities. By analyzing the wavelengths and frequencies of NIR, one can determine the types and proportions of plastics in recyclate mixtures, while detecting other foreign materials such as fillers. The proposed framework leverages machine learning algorithms to correlate NIR spectral features with polymer properties, enabling rapid and accurate identification of PE, PP, and their blends. Additionally, the system is designed to detect impurities at low concentrations, providing recyclers with a practical tool to improve sorting time and efficiency. This work bridges advanced analytical techniques with scalable, low-cost solutions, supporting the development of high-quality post-consumer plastics for reuse in sustainable applications.

Solvent-Based Characterization of Polyolefin Recyclates: Advanced Tools for Precise Quality Control in Recycling IndustrySelective Dissolution and Precipitation: An Emerging Technology to Complement Mechanical Recycling

Authors: Salman Obaidoon, Arash Alizadeh, Mohammed Al-Khayyat, and João B. P. Soares*

Presenter: Salman Obaidoon Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada 

The growing demand for sustainable products has driven the plastics sector to increase the use of post-consumer recyclates. However, tailoring the manufacturing processes for these materials often requires a detailed understanding of their microstructure and composition. In this study, we focus on polyolefins and introduce two advanced, solvent-based techniques that are used to precisely characterize molecular properties of polyethylene, polypropylene, and their mixtures. The specially-designed characterization tools presented here are: (1) high-temperature gel permeation chromatography with an IR detector (GPC-IR) and (2) crystallization elution fractionation (CEF). GPC-IR analysis measures the length and composition of polyolefin molecules present in a given recyclate. This information can be expressed in terms of average values or as entire distributions. Complementing this information, CEF offers a more detailed picture about the chemical composition of polyolefin chains being comprised of ethylene, propylene, or other 1-olefin molecular units. These advanced tools can enable recyclers and/or converters to have a precise control over the quality of polyolefin recyclates and to evaluate the suitability of recyclate materials for intended high-end applications.

Selective Dissolution and Precipitation: An Emerging Technology to Complement Mechanical Recycling

Authors: Arash Alizadeh, Mohammed Al-Khayyat, Salman Obaidoon, and João B. P. Soares*

Presenter: Arash Alizadeh Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

Selective dissolution and precipitation (SDP) is a physical recycling process that can separate and recover different types of polymers based on their solubilities in carefully selected solvent/antisolvent (S/AS) systems. This method offers certain advantages over other recycling technologies, including: (i) recovery of purified polymers with qualities equal or very close to those of virgin resins, (ii) preservation of polymer molecular weight and mechanical properties by avoiding chain degradation, (iii) retention of the value added to the material during the polymerization step, (iv) removal of additives, fillers, and odors, and (v) capability to separate multi-material composites, such as multi-layer packaging. The economic viability of SDP technology depends on the proper selection of efficient S/AS systems that can recover the target polymer(s) and allow for the purification and repeated use of the solvent and antisolvent components with minimum energy requirements and associated costs. Like other disruptive technologies, successful adoption of SDP recycling by the industry will depend on economic and market demands. In other words, polymer recyclates obtained from SDP must have acceptable quality but lower prices than virgin resins available commercially.

Beyond the Bag: Harnessing Methanotrophs for Sustainable Biodegradable Plastic Production

Over the past few decades, human activities in agriculture and industry have grown rapidly to meet the increasing demands for food and energy from a growing global population. While these activities are essential, they have also led to a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming and climate change. Among the most potent GHGs is methane, a critical target for mitigation efforts. From biological perspective, methane represents the sole carbon and energy source for methanotrophic bacteria, the only known biotic sink for methane. Beyond their environmental role, methanotrophs have the potential to be used as microbial factories to produce value-added compounds. In addition to methane, methanotrophs can metabolize methanol, commonly known as wood alcohol, which adds up to the utilization of these bacteria as potent biofactories.

A Universal Approach to Characterize Mechanical Behavior for Polymers and Composites: A Case Study on Polycarbonate and Glass-Filled Polycarbonate

Characterizing viscous behavior of polymers is the most challenging task for determining their mechanical behavior, as the model for such a purpose is difficult to identify, especially when the microstructure and its influence on the viscous behavior are unknown. To overcome this challenge, an idea is described here to identify automatically the required model. In this work, polycarbonate (PC) and glass-filled polycarbonate (GF-PC) are used to demonstrate this idea. The current work is focused on the use of multi-relaxation (MR) test to show the viscous behavior, and a common three-branch model and a new five-branch model, both based on Eyring’s law, to simulate the viscous behavior. The preliminary study shows that while the three-branch model could provide accurate simulation of the deformation behavior of PC, the five-branch model is needed for the GF-PC. The study will then examine the feasibility of using computer programming to identify the suitable model automatically, under not only uniaxial loading provided by the MR test, but also multiaxial loading to introduce both tensile and shear deformation. This is on-going research, and the updated progress will be presented in the poster.

Circular Economy: Hard-to-Recycle Plastics from Electronic Waste

InnoTech Alberta has been reviewing the plastic circular economy for Alberta Innovates to identify key technology gaps and innovations in plastic recycling throughout the plastic value chain and to provide potential recommendations for supporting innovative technologies targeting hard-to-recycle plastics such as plastics associated with electronic waste (i.e., e-waste). Indeed, according to the World Health Organization, e-waste is one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world. In 2022, an estimated 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally and only 22.3% was collected and recycled. Plastics constitute approximately 20% of e-waste, however, recycling of the plastics is hampered by the presence of brominated flame retardants. InnoTech Alberta is conducting research on ways to recycle the mixed-plastic waste in electronics, so that these plastics can be reused in an environmentally safe and healthy manner. In this research, formulations development, characterization and prototyping of composite material from the residual non-metallic material from e-waste were conducted. The emerging data indicates a significant increase in the mechanical properties of the composite composed of e-waste. In addition, the composites with e-waste plastics slow down significantly flame propagation. These findings not only open opportunities to use the new composite materials in several different applications where performance is required but can also enhance plastic e-waste recycling. 

Tri-Dung Ngo

InnoTech Alberta has been reviewing the plastic circular economy for Alberta Innovates to identify key technology gaps and innovations in plastic recycling throughout the plastic value chain and to provide potential recommendations for supporting innovative technologies targeting hard-to-recycle plastics such as plastics associated with electronic waste (i.e., e-waste). Indeed, according to the World Health Organization, e-waste is one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world. In 2022, an estimated 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally and only 22.3% was collected and recycled. Plastics constitute approximately 20% of e-waste, however, recycling of the plastics is hampered by the presence of brominated flame retardants. InnoTech Alberta is conducting research on ways to recycle the mixed-plastic waste in electronics, so that these plastics can be reused in an environmentally safe and healthy manner. In this research, formulations development, characterization and prototyping of composite material from the residual non-metallic material from e-waste were conducted. The emerging data indicates a significant increase in the mechanical properties of the composite composed of e-waste. In addition, the composites with e-waste plastics slow down significantly flame propagation. These findings not only open opportunities to use the new composite materials in several different applications where performance is required but can also enhance plastic e-waste recycling.

Guest Speaker

Allen Langdon

Circular Materials

As CEO, Allen is responsible for leading Circular Materials through the design, launch and implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs for paper and packaging in jurisdictions across Canada. This includes Ontario’s new blue box recycling system, the launch of Atlantic Canada’s first EPR program for paper and packaging in New Brunswick, and expansion into Alberta, the Yukon and Nova Scotia in 2025. His mission is to support producers with a robust not-for-profit service offering that advances the circular economy, delivers national harmonization of EPR services and harnesses competitive procurement to provide the best value for producers. 

Prior to joining Circular Materials, Allen served as the President and CEO of Return-It, British Columbia’s very successful used beverage container management program in Canada. In this role, Allen oversaw the modernization of Return-It’s collection network, which consists of more than 170 collection sites, including Return-It depots, Express Plus and Express & GO stations. Return-It has routinely exceeded a 75% recovery rate for used beverage containers in British Columbia, and its network has supported the collection of new materials, including waste electrical and electronic equipment. 

Allen also served as the Managing Director for Recycle BC, the first 100% EPR program for paper and packaging in North America where industry assumed full financial and managerial responsibility for the residential recycling system. 

Allen currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Washington State Recycling Development Centre. 

Guest Speaker

Ryan Parmenter

ECCC

Ryan Parmenter is the Director of Plastics and Marine Litter at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) where he leads the federal government’s horizontal initiative to advance a circular plastics economy for Canada. This includes working collaboratively to
develop domestic and international measures to reduce plastic waste and pollution. Ryan has held several positions in the federal public service working on a variety of environmental issues and has also worked at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Guest Speaker

Toye Oyedun

NAIT

Toye Oyedun is a professional chemical engineer and accomplished research project manager, boasting over 17 years of expertise in project management, operational process development, process integration, and research engineering, focusing on sustainability and circularity.

He holds a Master’s degree in Advanced Chemical Engineering with Process
Systems Engineering from Imperial College London, UK, and a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Energy from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Throughout his career, Toye has contributed to diverse projects globally, spanning Academia, Government and Industry. His areas of specialization include greenhouse gas emission reduction, life cycle assessment, plastic waste/municipal solid waste management, clean energy, water footprint analysis, and clean fuel production. Notably, Toye was part of the team that played a pivotal role in advancing bio-economy initiatives in Alberta while working as a research/program
analyst for the Government of Alberta.

Currently, Toye holds the position of Senior Project Manager (Research) for the Plastics Research In Action (PRIA) partnership at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). In this capacity, he oversees the entire portfolio of projects under PRIA and serves as the research lead for some projects. One notable project is the Testing of Recycled Plastics in Asphalt to determine its viability under
Alberta’s climate conditions.

Guest Speaker

Mehr Nikoo

AB Innovates

Mehr Nikoo is a seasoned professional engineer with dual master’s degrees and over two decades of experience in process and research engineering, as well as project management. Her career includes roles at EPCs, InnoTech Alberta, and various start-up companies. Since June 2018, Mehr has been with Alberta Innovates, where she manages projects focused on utilizing agricultural and forestry residues, diverting plastics and municipal solid waste from landfills, and advancing clean technologies.

In her current role as Program Director for Bioindustrial and Circular Innovation, Mehr leverages her expertise to drive impactful initiatives that promote sustainability and innovation. Recently, she was elected as a board member for the Recycling Council of Alberta, where she advocates for a circular economy in the province.

Guest Speaker

Peter Mirtchev

CIAC

Peter Mirtchev has over 6 years of experience in regulatory advocacy working with industry associations in the chemicals sector. Prior to joining the CIAC Plastics Division, he worked for the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association on multiple regulatory files impacting industry such as Chemicals Management under CEPA, VOC emissions, and Extended Producer Responsibility. He has also worked with the Chemical Institute of Canada where he developed relationships with leading chemistry researchers across all Canadian universities. Prior to transitioning to policy, he obtained a Ph.D in Chemistry, carrying out research on novel materials for renewable energy applications.

Guest Speaker

Meg O’Shea

CPP

Meg is a seasoned change manager with over a decade of experience in economic development, supporting organizational and business transformations for sustainability. As Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Canada Plastics Pact, Meg works directly with industry, government, and other actors to tackle the plastics problem facing society today by creating a circular economy of plastics. She is energized by bringing together disparate fields, objectives, and organizations to collaboratively tackle big gritty challenges.

Guest Speaker

Paul Grenier

Clorox

Paul Grenier started as Manager of Government Affairs at Clorox Canada in 2020 and is responsible for building relationships and partnerships with all three levels of government. He has been focused on sustainability issues since joining Clorox including the transition to EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) in most Canadian Provinces.

Mr. Grenier has also been a leader in consultations on Federal legislation for use of recycled plastics and accurate labelling of compostable and recycled packaging. Prior to Clorox he served 15 years as an elected Councillor in the Niagara Region of Ontario.

First elected to Welland Ontario City Council in 2003, he began three consecutive terms. Grenier was the Chair of Corporate Services Committees from 2009 to 2011 and in 2014. He also served as a director of Welland Hydro Corporation, Chair of Conservation Committee (2006-14). He completed his 11-year tenure on City Council with perfect attendance of 409 consecutive meetings.

As a member of Niagara Regional Council was Chair of Niagara Housing Corporation.
Mr. Grenier started his term on Regional Council in 2014.From 2005-14, was a member of the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities (OSUM) Board and Chair from 2010 – 2012 and concurrently served a member of the AMO (Association of Municipalities in Ontario) executive.

Mr. Grenier, a graduate of Brock University in Economics, has had a long career in
business development and advocacy for Waste, Recycling and Compost industries. He lives in Welland and is married to Wendy Ward, Professor at Niagara College. They have two adult children, Luc, and Claire.

Keynote Speaker

Antoinette Smith
Resource Recycling

Chemical recycling has been touted as the solution for managing our plastics problem, though we’ve heard this before with mechanical recycling claims and still have a long way to go. Join Antoinette Smith, Reporter for Plastics Recycling Update in the US, to learn about chemical recycling; how is it progressing in other jurisdictions around the world, and what lies ahead for expansion in North America?

Antoinette Smith started working as a reporter for Resource Recycling in June 2024 after spending several years covering commodity plastics and chemical value chains. In the role, she keeps abreast of industry trends, with a special focus on analyzing data. She recently relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after living in Houston, Texas, for more than a decade, where she was immersed in the chemical industry.

Innovation – The Trailblazers in Our Industry

In this session on innovation, we’ll hear from the trailblazers working on solutions for managing and manufacturing plastics: where PCR is king and old systems are revamped for in favour of new models that will shape how the industry grows in the next decade and beyond.

Speakers

Walson Tai – Binary Holds

Peter Zhou – Carbon Upcycling

Dow Canada – Elvaloy Paving Project

Dr. Roxana Suehring – TMU

Toye Oyedun – NAIT

Mehr Nikoo – AB Innovates