| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bioplastics, WPC |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder(s) | Toby Reid |
| Headquarters | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Key people |
Toby Reid, Founder & CEO |
| Products | Polysole Traverse |
| Website | solegear.ca |
Solegear Bioplastics is an award-winning bioplastics company founded in 2006 and based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Solegear manufactures 100% natural "high-performance" bioplastic materials under the brand names Polysole and Traverse. Polysole is made by combining a base polymer, called polylactic acid (PLA), with a natural additive formulation which increases various mechanical and physical performance characteristics of the material. Traverse is made by combining conventional plastic (like polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or nylon) with natural biomass such as wood fibers or rice husks.[1]
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Solegear began its research and development efforts in 2006, focusing on the development of bio-based and compostable plastics. After introducing its initial Polysole compostable material in the summer of 2010, Solegear introduced the Traverse line of biocomposites shortly after.[2] Recognizing that the plastics industry was open to 100% natural as well as hybrid plastics, Solegear is positioning the Traverse line as an opportunity to meet the transition from petroleum-based plastics to fully bio-based/biodegradable plastics.[3] Solegear markets the Traverse line as a 'hybrid' for major plastics manufacturers who may one day wish to switch to 100% natural, compostable plastics, such as Solegear's Polysole.
Solegear receives financial support from Canada's National Research Council through its support institute, NRC-IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program).[4]
Solegear performs its R&D with the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the University of British Columbia.[4]
Polysole is a compostable polymer. It can be used in durable applications such as children's toys and cosmetics cases.[5] It currently is available in three grades: Polysole TF, Polysole XD, and Polysole LV.[6] Each grade is intended for different purposes: "TF" stands for "thermoforming", "XD" stands for "extra durability", and "LV" stands for "low viscosity", the latter two being injection molding grades.
Traverse is a biocomposite material. Made of biomass fibers mixed with conventional plastic (like PE, PP, PET, or nylon), it can be used in durable applications such as outdoor furniture and automotive parts. The conventional plastic component of Traverse biocomposite material can come from recycled or virgin plastic.[7]
Solegear formally announced the launch of its proprietary bioplastic, Polysole, in the summer of 2010, after more than four years of research & development at some of Canada's largest chemical engineering institutes.[8] Solegear then launched its proprietary biocomposite material, Traverse, two weeks later, building out the company's product assortment for its launch period.[3]
After the successful launch of the company's award-winning product assortment of Polysole and Traverse, Solegear went on to generate small initial sales at the pilot scale level. These critical, initial milestones validated the company's launch and paved the way for the company to pursue the next stage in its development: building out capacity. The management team was upgraded (not without difficulty in one case: the outgoing CEO filed a suit[9] which Solegear was forced to counter in BC Supreme Court, eventually obtaining a judgement in its favour) while large scale production partnerships were established on both coasts of North America, giving Solegear the capacity to produce their materials for large customers into the hundreds of millions of pounds on an annual basis.[10][11]
Solegear's research & development efforts began in 2006, accelerating in 2007 with the involvement with the NRC's IRAP program. In the fall of 2009, it was determined that the company was in a position to file its first two provisional patent applications. So, On October 31, 2009, Solegear, through its IP counsel at Gowling Henderson Lafleur in Vancouver, BC, filed these two provisional patent applications, converting them into full international patent applications one year later on October 31, 2010.
On June 2, 2011, Solegear received positive opinions from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) regarding its international patent applications, with the CIPO deeming the company's intellectual property to be novel and inventive.[12] The international patent applications are expected to be further examined by the CIPO with a decision on issuance expected late in 2012 or early 2013. Solegear expects to continue to deliver further innovations in the field of bioplastics through in-house and partner-based research & development.
In August 2010, Solegear was recognized by Frost & Sullivan with the 2010 New Product Innovation of the Year Award for its Polysole compostable polymer.[13]
In September 2010, Solegear received three awards in the BCIC New Ventures competition.[14] The BCIC Economic Impact Prize recognized the potential of Solegear and its products to have significant impact on the economy of British Columbia, both by creating jobs within the province and by exporting goods outside the province. The BC Hydro Sustainability Prize recognized Solegear's contribution to provincial environmental sustainability. The BCIC Second-Prize Package recognized Solegear's overall promise of growing into a viable and successful BC company.
In November 2010, Solegear received the Best Green Business award from the CYBF (Canadian Youth Business Foundation).[15][16]
In February 2011, Solegear's Founder was selected as a nominee for the annual Canadian Manning Innovation Awards.[17]
In November 2011, Solegear's Founder was selected to participate as a member of the Canadian delegation in the G20 Youth Entrepreneurship Summit in Nice, France.[18]