By Tabitha Caswell for Bioenterprise Canada
Plastic has woven itself into nearly every aspect of modern agriculture – from seedling trays and greenhouse films to the seemingly innocent berry clamshell container. We depend on plastic’s versatility and low cost, but this convenience comes at a high environmental price, leaving our soils even more polluted than our oceans. When plastic waste accumulates in fields, landfills, or incinerators, it leaves behind a legacy of contamination that can take centuries to break down.
The transition from plastic to more sustainable solutions has proven complex, with economic, regulatory, and even social barriers causing delays. What will it take to overcome these barriers and adopt more sustainable solutions?
Joining the conversation is Dr. Love-Ese Chile, PhD – an award-winning researcher and entrepreneur driven by a passion for sustainable innovation. With a BSc (Honours) from the University of Auckland and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Dr. Chile has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between research and commercialization in the bioeconomy.
Dr. Chile founded Regenerative Waste Labs, has led cutting-edge biomaterials projects, and now manages the BC Agricultural Climate Action Research Network (BC ACARN). A recipient of multiple distinctions, including a 2024 Clean50 Emerging Leader Award and the 2023 UBC Chemistry Young Alumnus Award, she also serves as a Bioenterprise Canada Innovation Advisor.
Dr. Chile’s work centres on bridging scientific research and commercialization to develop biomaterials, advance climate adaptation policy and strengthen the circular bioeconomy. Her mission is clear: bring together diverse stakeholders to co-create a greener, more equitable future.
Here, we explore key topics shaping the future of sustainability in Canada’s agri-food sector. Along the way, we’ll address a crucial question: can these emerging biodegradable and circular solutions compete on cost, and how can the sector overcome commercialization and adoption barriers?
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