Solegear Bioplastics

Solegear Bioplastics is an award-winning company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Solegear manufactures engineered, "high-performance" bioplastic materials under the brand names Polysole and Traverse. Polysole is made by combining a base polymer, called polylactic acid (PLA), with a natural additive formulation which increases the performance characteristics of the material. Traverse is made by combining conventional plastic (like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or nylon) with natural biomass such as wood flour or rice husks.

Corporate Strategy

Solegear introduced the Traverse line of biocomposites in June, 2010. Recognizing that the plastics industry may not be able or willing to switch to fully biodegradable plastics in the immediate future, Solegear is positioning the Traverse line as an opportunity to catalyze the transition from petroleum-based plastics to fully bio-based/biodegradable plastics. Solegear markets the Traverse line as a 'first step' for major plastics manufacturers to switch to compostable plastics. When manufacturers are in a position to make the final switch to compostable plastics, Solegear can offer its Polysole line of materials.

NRC-IRAP

Solegear receives financial support from Canada's National Research Council through its support institute, NRC-IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program).

University of British Columbia

Solegear performs its R&D with the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the University of British Columbia.

Awards and accolades

Frost & Sullivan

In August 2010, Solegear was recognized by Frost & Sullivan with the 2010 New Product Innovation of the Year Award for its Polysole biodegradable polymer.

BCIC New Ventures BC

In September 2010, Solegear received three awards in the BCIC New Ventures BC competition. The $20,000 BCIC Economic Impact Prize recognized the potential of Solegear and its products to have significant impact on the economy of British Columbia, both by creating jobs within the province and by exporting goods outside the province. The $40,000 BC Hydro Sustainability Prize recognized Solegear's contribution to provincial environmental sustainability. The $65,000 BCIC Second-Prize Package recognized Solegear's overall promise of growing into a viable and successful BC company.

Canadian Youth Business Foundation

In November 2010, Solegear received the Best Green Business award from the CYBF (Canadian Youth Business Foundation).

Bioplastic Materials

Polysole Bioplastic

Polysole is biodegradable (compostable) polymer. It can be used in durable applications such as automotive components. It currently is available in three grades: Polysole TF, Polysole XD, and Polysole LV. Each grade is intended for different purposes: "TF" stands for "thermoforming", "XD" stands for "extra durability", and "LV" stands for "lower viscosity".

Traverse Biocomposite

Traverse is a biocomposite material. Made of biomass and conventional plastic (like PE, PP, PET, or nylon), it can be used in durable applications such as toys and automotive parts. The conventional plastic component of Traverse biocomposite material can come from recycled or virgin plastic.

Controversial Future?

BLAINE, WA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/28/11 -- Trueman International Group and its Chairman, Edward Trueman, announced today the filing of a $2.1 million defamation and breach of contract suit in federal court against SoleGear Design Company, Inc. ("SoleGear"), and its founder, Toby Reid, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. According to the suit filed today, Reid is responsible for publishing libelous and defamatory allegations including charges of theft of IP and financial malfeasance against Mr. Trueman on public websites and blogs.

External links

• Solegear Featured on Global BC TV
• Solegear.ca Official Solegear Website