1 pm
Main Area
Presented by National Research Council of Canada and Winpak
Explore the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation with a focus on biodegradation capabilities and environmental impact reduction. This keynote will highlight cutting-edge materials and technologies designed to enhance biodegradability, promote circular economy principles, and maintain product integrity. Gain insights into how the food processing industry is adopting scalable, eco-friendly solutions to meet regulatory trends and growing consumer demands for sustainability. Join the expert industry leaders at the National Research Council (NRC) to discover actionable strategies that drive environmental stewardship while creating opportunities for growth and brand differentiation.
The National Research Council recently opened a new state-of-the art advanced manufacturing research facility in Winnipeg that is home to research on the biodegradability of various materials including polymers, composites and paper-based products. The facility will also soon be home to a multilayer film cast line for packaging. This important scientific work contributes to the research and development capabilities in sustainable products used in applications such as packaging, agriculture and transportation.
Presenters:
Éric Baril, Director General of the NRC’s Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre
He was acting as Vice-President of the Transportation and Manufacturing division overseeing the Aerospace and Automotive and Surface Transportation Reseach Centres at National Research Council Canada from October 2021 to July 2022.
In October 2017, he was appointed the Director General of the Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre. He was leading the direction of the manufacturing and surface transportation R&D activities of the 4 research centre’s sites in Saguenay, Boucherville, Ottawa and London. He is also responsible for the development of the NRC’s newest advanced manufacturing research facility in Winnipeg.
Michael Snowdon, Research Officer, Advanced and Digital Manufacturing, Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre
Dr. Michael Snowdon is a Research Officer at the National Research Council’s advanced manufacturing facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Michael was appointed this role in September 2022, researching polymers and composites and their processing, manufacturing and characterization for various applications, with an emphasis on more environmentally friendly flexible single-use packaging alternatives and reduced carbon footprint products with life cycle assessment considerations. Michael has authored/co-authored 20 peer-reviewed publications to date.
Previously, Michael was the acting Lab Manager and Research Development Specialist for 4 years at the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre at the University of Guelph. Michael has a PhD in biological engineering, a Master’s in plant agriculture and a Bachelor of Science in nanoscience with physics minor all from the University of Guelph.
Ash Andrews – Innovation & Intellectual Property Subject Matter Expert, Winpak
Ash Andrews is the Intellectual Property and Innovation Subject Matter Expert at Winpak Ltd., located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As an internationally experienced Innovation Engineer, Ash coaches creativity within every team he is in contact with, ensuring every project is meaningful and unique. Along with Winpak’s leadership team in developing sustainable and forward thinking food films, Ash has worked hand-in-hand with Winpak’s sales leaders and customers ensuring the most advanced and environmentally friendly concepts are created, protected and utilized within the food industry.
Previously Ash worked as an Innovation and Strategy Consultant, where he brought a systematic and LEAN discipline approach to organizations throughout Manitoba. This enabled many products and services to reach the market quickly with less risk. With over twenty five years of hands-on experience as a manufacturing leader, Ash has witnessed time and time again how collaboration, creativity and discipline can be combined to bring success.
Moderated by Michael Mikulak, executive director, Food and Beverage Manitoba