Axis 3: Resource and Product Maximization

The main objective of the research project is to develop a biobased polymer composite material (PLA) made of eggshell particles with improved thermal, mechanical and biodegradable properties to support Canada’s rapid prototyping and egg processing sectors as they move towards sustainable products and circular manufacturing initiatives, to create value for eggshell waste and to develop a manufacturing process for 3D biopolymer printing feedstock containing eggshell particles as filler. The composite materials will be characterized for their thermal, mechanical and biodegradable properties. The specific objectives of the four-year project are to:

1. Identify the ideal eggshell particle size, weight fraction and surface coating to produce polylactic acid/eggshell composites by additive manufacturing using standard low-cost fused filament forming (FFF) 3D printers.
2. Improve the biodegradability of polylactic acid composites by reducing degradation time through the addition of compostable additives and by exploring their impact on the mechanical properties.
3. Determine the recyclability of the developed eggshell-filled polymer composite filaments.

The project examines the CE vision, governance and practices at a municipal level.

It focuses on three key CE sectors: food, energy (including transportation) and waste (Keblowski et al 2020). Two key research issues are raised:

1. How do stakeholders understand CE as a concept and what is their understanding of CE practices and assessment in a city and region like Victoriaville?
2. How is CE governed and practiced by different political and social stakeholders?

The questions will be explored from the perspectives of the concepts of the socio-technological vision and the governance of the socioecological transition.

The project aims to develop a new way to recover liquid digestates from methanization by producing microalgae as a solution to reduce the cost of the feeding regime used to rear black soldier fly larvae, as well as the cost to dispose of the waters.  

The proposed approach is to have a microalgae culture use the liquid digestates from methanization and then set out a feeding regime of microalgae and solid digestates.

What separates this proposal from others is the fact that it interweaves a circular innovation project in an emerging circular economy loop. The innovation lies in the development of a less costly feeding regime to rear black soldier fly larvae whose main component is the production of microalgae from liquid digestate from methanization (a waste).

This new approach to liquid digestate management and the production of edible and decomposer insects fits seamlessly into the circular economies of several cities and regions across Québec and around the world.

As the electrification of devices intensifies, the cumulative global manufacturing of lithium ion (Li-ion) battery cells could increase by fivefold by 2030. At the end of their service life, the batteries may be recovered or become toxic waste. North America therefore has a unique opportunity to secure and build a resilient supply chain based on circular principles. The region has the potential to play a leadership role in the extraction, manufacturing and recovery of critical minerals for Li-ion batteries, including rare minerals and those in short supply (e.g., lithium).

As the geopolitics of Li-ion batteries emerge, the project aims to determine a strategic plan for a regional supply system based on the circular economy. More specifically, it seeks to:

1. Estimate the strengths, opportunities, vulnerabilities and risks of the current Li-ion battery supply chain in North America and among its international suppliers.
2. Conceptualize and map the regional Li-ion battery infrastructure.
3. Model the impact of implementing circular strategies.
4. Identify investment opportunities.

While there is a myriad of ecolabels, most in the tourism sector lack rigor, transparency and standardization. This project therefore aims to study how modularity and eco-efficiency can contribute to the development of measurable ecolabels and circular tourism.

Firstly, the research will operationalize a multidimensional conceptual model using scientific assessment tools to identify opportunities for source reduction as a circular strategy. The concept of modularity seeks to break down complex systems into modules to provide a framework to assess their composition and interdependencies. The approach will support a performance analysis of the tourism system in all its complexity. A case study of a Québec outfitter will make it possible to apply the model and characterize activities to collect primary and secondary data to explore eco-efficient alternatives.

Secondly, the project will develop eco-efficiency indicators based on the principles of modularity by assimilating the carrying capacities in tourism. Following a literature review of load capacities, multicriteria analysis will be used to evaluate the impacts of the scenarios.

Finally, the third objective is to create a framework and guide to implement a type III ecolabel in the tourism sector.