Boosting Canada’s bio-based lubricant sector

Nov 28, 2018

Renewable Lubricants Inc. of Ohio will launch an Ontario subsidiary

Staff Writer

Farms.com

Canadian oilseed producers may soon have another local market for their crops, thanks to the launching of a new Ontario business.

Renewable Lubricants Inc. (RLI) of Ohio, a U.S. manufacturer of vegetable-oil-based lubricants, has formed a Canadian subsidiary that will be in Ontario, said a Tuesday Oilseed Innovation Partners (OIP) release.

RLI, with market and business development support from OIP, will operate as Renewable Lubricants Canada (RLC). RLC has established relationships in Ontario to help with product development and distribution.

RLC expects to be operational before the fall of 2019, creating ten new jobs in the process.

“The thrust of it is that the company is going to develop the market here, and it is currently a user of the used oils from oilseed,” Robert Roe, director of bioproduct commercialization, told Farms.com yesterday. RLI is “using Canadian feedstocks, like canola, in most of the products that it makes. This is an opportunity for us to use Canadian oilseeds in their products, in our market.”

RLI manufacturers environmentally friendly lubricants like greases, hydraulic fluids and engine oils.

“RLI is recognized as an undisputed leader in the North American bio-lubricant space and it is significant to have an American company decide to build a business here in Canada,” said Jeff Schmalz, OIP CEO, in the release. “This is a milestone in the development of a national bio-lubricant industry in our country.”

The Canadian biofuel industry wants to boost market demand for bio-based lubricants, which diminishes the environmental risks of petroleum-based products. The industry also wants to develop local operations.

DanielPrudek/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.