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The challenge of plastic waste demands innovative solutions, especially when we confront the startling reality that only nine percent of plastics worldwide are currently being recycled.

NAIT's Dr. Muhammad Arshad reveals how the Polytechnic's initiative Plastic Research in Action is tackling this problem, specifically through groundbreaking work on polymer blends in the Designing for Circularity: Development of polypropylene blends using post-consumer recycled plastic program.

For the past two years, Dr. Arshad's team has been working with their industry partners Heartland Polymers to develop and test formulations that combine virgin polypropylene with post-consumer recycled plastics. Their research delves into the complex realities of plastic recycling—how materials degrade through multiple processing cycles, why multi-layer packaging frustrates recycling efforts, and what formulations might maintain performance quality while incorporating recycled content. Now moving from bench testing to pilot scale, their partnership with Heartland Polymers shows promise for creating commercially viable solutions.

The conversation illuminates the entire lifecycle of plastic products, from petroleum-based production through consumer use to disposal and potential reuse. We discover why 100% recycled plastic products aren't always feasible for high-performance applications and how blending virgin and recycled materials offers a practical middle ground. Beyond the technical aspects, Dr. Arshad highlights NAIT's partnerships across diverse sectors—from industrial manufacturers to Alberta's beekeeping industry—showing how circular economy principles can be applied across our economy.

This interview with Dr. Arshad is related to the interview The circular economy unplugged with insights from Alberta Innovates' Mehr Nikoo.

Ready to support plastic sustainability? Choose reusable products over single-use items, select products containing recycled content, and ensure you're following proper recycling guidelines in your community. Listen now to understand how Alberta researchers are transforming what we've traditionally viewed as waste into valuable resources for our future.

Additional reading:

• Economic Study of the CANADIAN PLASTIC INDUSTRY, MARKETS AND WASTE (opens a pdf)
• Zero Plastic Waste

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.