This is one in a series of interviews with CFIN member companies that have successfully applied for and received funding.
Montreal, QC-based BioShur Inc. aims to replace petro-based flexible plastic packaging with soil-compostable, plant-based flexible films. This is ideal for situations in which the recycling of petro-based plastics is particularly difficult or unfeasible. The company aims to improve the food industry by helping environmentally conscious brands reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint and plastic pollution; and through plans to incorporate natural agents that help reduce food spoilage caused by pathogens, the company will reduce food waste. BioShur received $50,000 in funding from CFIN to scale up the fabrication of a bio-based and backyard compostable cling food wrap that can also extend the shelf life of fresh food.
We talked to BioShur founder and CEO Roger Tambay to learn more about the company and its plans.
Q: What is your company’s mission?
A: Our mission is to help consumers and brands reduce plastic waste, reduce food waste, and reduce the emissions of GHG. Our near-term objective is to replace non-recyclable PVC cling food wrap with a plant-based and soil-compostable cling wrap. The film will also enhance the shelf life of fresh produce like strawberries and cauliflower.
Q: Why did you apply for this funding and how will you use it?
A: We applied to CFIN because it targets a great community of Canadian food industrials. The Innovation Booster will help us along the product development cycle, allowing us to make prototypes that potential buyers can touch, feel and try.
Q: What excites you most about working in this area of the food industry?
A: GHG emissions and food waste are huge social problems. We are excited about helping brands and individual consumers contribute to address these problems. It’s an honour to collaborate with CFIN to achieve this goal.
Q: Why is collaboration so important for accelerating innovation in the food industry? Is it difficult to find good collaborating partners, and what would make the
process easier?
A: Solving social problems like the ones we are addressing requires the collaboration of many stakeholders all along the chain. If we have any chance of solving this problem, it is through deep social collaboration, including with the food industry. Yes, it is difficult to find good collaborating partners. The CFIN network of innovators is a community and the YODL platform is a great tool to connect with other individuals that share the same passion we do.
Q: Please comment on the importance of public funding to help companies clear
innovation hurdles and access leveraged funds.
A: Public funding is essential. The cost of development is getting higher and higher, and private investors are generally unwilling to fund research and development or scale-up risk. Thanks to CFIN, we’re able to leverage our internal funding and have better access to scale up facilities much faster than if we were to go it alone.
Q: Looking ahead, what’s on the horizon for your company?
A: We hope to bring a prototype to market by the end of 2023. We hope this prototype will be adopted by major food companies and retailers both here in Canada and internationally. We also really want to offer a product to individual consumers – we really believe that the average person wants to contribute to a cleaner economy. We want to give people access to a food wrap that has the same performance they’re used to, but with a better carbon footprint.
Q: What are your passions or hobbies outside of work?
A: I love running, biking, skiing, and playing piano.
Q: If you had to pick one person to make you a meal, who would you choose?
A: My girlfriend, Sarah!
Ready to access funding for your innovative initiative? Click here to find out more about CFIN’s funding programs.