Sustainable solutions: Sustane gives plastic waste a second life

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Cleantech company develops alternative fuel for export market

July 30, 2024 · Chester, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Shifting away from fossil fuels lowers greenhouse gas emissions and fosters innovation and economic growth. Minimizing plastic waste helps preserve our ecosystems and reduces the burden on landfills. The Government of Canada is investing in a company that is doing both at the same time: repurposing plastic waste to make cleaner, greener alternative fuel.

A circular plastics economy

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced a contribution of $950,000 to Sustane Technologies Inc. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support helped Sustane develop, test and certify a synthetic naphtha fuel from single-use and end-of life plastics which would otherwise be sent to local landfills. Sustane’s recycled fuel, which is made without combusition, can be sold and exported to petro-chemical companies to use in place of fossil fuels when creating new plastics. This circular supply chain helps lower carbon emissions and divert waste from landfills by turning it into a commercial product for resale.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting clean-tech initiatives that reduce waste, create healthier communities, grow exports, and provide opportunities for economic development. 

Quotes

“Reducing plastic use is a win-win; it keeps it out of our oceans and waterways, and cuts down on the waste sent to the garbage dump. Atlantic Canadians are committed to sustainability, and companies like Sustane are pioneering this for the next generation.”

-        The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Advancing clean tech solutions isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for business. The bright minds at Sustane here in Chester are bringing forward innovative solutions to help lower emissions and reduce plastic waste, and I’m pleased that our government is supporting their vitally important work.”

-        The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food 

“This is a pivotal time for Sustane, as we have made significant breakthroughs, including producing feedstock for circular plastic production. The support of ACOA will enable us to focus more resources to scale this effort as we continue to forge important global partnerships."

     -    Peter Vinall, Co-founder, President and CEO of Sustane Technologies

Quick facts

  • Sustane’s naphtha product is derived from waste plastics and will replace fossil-derived naphtha in the petro-chemical process. Sustane can generate up to 1,000 litres of this product from a tonne of otherwise unusable, non-recyclable, landfill-destined plastic. 

  • Sustane Technologies’ processing facility can recycle 70,000 tonnes of household waste per year. Ninety percent (90%) of the household waste Sustane diverts from landfills is turned into alternative fuels and fertilizers. Sustane reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 200,000 tonnes per year. This is approximately ten percent (10%) of Chester’s overall carbon footprint.

  • Sustane is working with other municipalities to replace land filling with its recycling processes, and with international plastics manufacturers to use its synthetic naphtha as an alternative to fossil fuel. 

  • In 2023, Sustane received Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) certification for its GroBoost Fertilizer, a low-carbon organic alternative to traditional fertilizers.

  • The funding announced today is provided through the ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Jay Witherbee
Acting Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Jay.Witherbee@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
902-266-4037

Tara Wickwire
Principal
The Message, Brand and PR Consulting
Tara@itsthemessage.ca
902-403-6391

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