A pair of Delta companies are among nine projects being funded under the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund – funding that was announced last week by the provincial government.
Merlin Plastics, located on Annacis Island, will use the money ($1,560,000) to support upgrading equipment to increase the supply of PCR plastic to be used as feedstock in new food-grade packaging by increasing the capacity to process recycled polyethylene and improving the quality of polypropylene.
Plascon Plastics Corporation, also on Annacis Island, will use its funding of $600,000 to manufacture the first child-safe cannabis container made from 100% PCR plastic, by combining its experience making PCR injection-moulded products with its manufacturing of child-safe products out of virgin materials.
In all, $5 million has been put towards the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund, which encourages innovative technologies to turn used plastics into new products, support the circular economy for plastics and increase local processing capacity for recycling and create new jobs. The funded projects will replace or recycle more than 20,000 tonnes of plastic per year.
“These projects show what British Columbians can accomplish when their great ideas and enthusiasm are supported by a government that's serious about tackling plastic waste and reducing pollution of our land and ocean,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “We take another key step towards building a more conscientious and comprehensive B.C. recycling program that's focused on transforming used plastic into an economic asset.”
The recipients provide at least one-third of eligible costs towards the total cost of the projects, which must be completed by Dec. 31, 2021. Projects were chosen based on their ability to increase processing capacity, increase the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in manufacturing or support PCR plastic product research, design and testing.
