Bio-based Polymer Membranes: Large-Scale Manufacturing for Water Treatment

Conventional petroleum-based membranes are non-biodegradable, prone to fouling, and costly to maintain. This project addresses these issues by developing scalable, bio-based membranes using renewable materials like poly(lactic acid) and eco-friendly solvents. These membranes reduce cleaning needs by up to 40%, lower environmental impact, and cut long-term costs. Building on prior Alberta Innovates–funded work, the project will optimize formulations, scale production, and validate performance in applications such as brewery wastewater and potable water treatment. Partnering with GreEnvi, it aims to localize manufacturing, reduce imports, and position Alberta as a leader in sustainable membrane technology.