Feds invest in technology to produce high-quality fibre

Ottawa, Ont. – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced that it is investing in new technology to turn flax and hemp by-products into cellulose, creating a new revenue stream for producers.

The investment will go to Guelph, Ont.-based Advanced Food and Materials Canada (AFM), a national non-profit organization which helps research, develop and commercialize innovations in the biomaterials, food, and health sectors.

AFM will use the investment to increase production of the technology developed by Blue Goose Biorefineries called R3 Technology, which separates biomass residue into pure grades of cellulose.

The technology in turn may eventually help producers increase their value per acre of hemp and flax crops by using what was considered waste material, while creating jobs in R&D, manufacturing and transportation. The technology will also benefit the environment by expanding biorefining capabilities.