On August 26th, BPI welcomed Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, for a tour of the Pulp and Paper Center. The minister observed four demonstrations showcasing BPI's world-class research capabilities in bio-based material innovations. The demonstrations included bark samples and their applications by Dr. Heather Trajano's group, nanocellulose-based materials by Dr. Emily Cranston's group, lignin samples and cement by Dr. Johan Foster's group, and marine sourced biomaterials by Dr. Orlando Rojas's group. Minister Kahlon was given some of the samples to actually touch and feel while listening to how those materials can change the bioproducts market landscape and accelerate innovations of sustainable solutions.
This was the first opening of the lab to external guests after its recent renovation funded by UBC and the BC government. A huge thank you to all the BPI researchers and staff who created such engaging and inspiring demonstrations for the tour. It showcased well UBC's commitment to support the creation of value-added sustainable bioproducts.
-BPI Operations Team
