At the Canadian Society for Chemistry conference in Vancouver in June, Regenerative Waste Labs showcased the overlap between circular economy principles and green chemistry through a series of case studies demonstrating how they repurpose waste and regenerate materials at their labs.
Next, they will demonstrate their solutions to the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Economic Commission as the region aims to achieve a “zero-waste” economy by 2040.
In collaboration with the City and VEC, Regenerative Waste Labs is one of nine BC-oriented companies selected to pilot technology at a new “Zero Waste Demonstration Site”—an initiative for commercializing eco-tech as well as an opportunity to connect with potential investors, partners, and clients.
“We believe that every waste stream holds untapped potential for opportunity,” the Vancouver-based company states online, “and that businesses and communities can be agents of change.”
RWL envisions an economy that “thrives on sustainable and regenerative principles—where producers, procurers, regulators, and users of sustainable products and packaging are part of a living ecosystem that flourishes in harmony with nature.”
Thus, the company’s mission is to “ignite a transformative shift towards a world where waste regeneration becomes the catalyst for healthy, safe, and sustainable products.”
RWL wants to uplift communities by “empowering people to discover the inherent value in waste within Canada’s emerging circular bioeconomy.”
This is achieved by reshaping waste management, accelerating adoption of compostable products, and paving a way “for a more sustainable future built on principles of regeneration and circularity,” according to the eco-upstart’s website.
A “whole-systems approach” is designed to assist companies of any size implement solutions to up-cycle waste, with RWL providing specializing services to help businesses develop “truly sustainable products that make a positive impact.”
The company operates a technical team that assesses physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of biomaterials. The tech team also investigates processes to convert organic waste into value-added feedstocks. Meanwhile, a consulting team conducts market research, policy analysis, and reviews of innovative technologies and regulatory frameworks to guide product development and deployment.
It’s all about identifying and seizing opportunity in cultivation of a circular economy.
“Systemic change isn’t easy,” the cofounders admit, “but we believe it’s possible.”
Regenerative Waste Labs was established in 2019 by cofounders Robert Weatherbe and Louise Schwarz, who have been involved in recycling initiatives for over 30 years.
Leave a Reply