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Canadian plastics company Nova Chemicals has established a new Centre of Excellence for Plastics Circularity, aiming to further global efforts in sustainable plastics management. The centre has been developed to provide a hub for knowledge exchange and technology development for the circular economy of plastics. Industry innovators and Canadian research institutions will share expertise at the site, focusing on two key objectives: R&D collaboration and value chain-integrated solutions. Expertise will be integrated across ranging disciplines including material science, engineering, chemistry, environmental science and public policy. This collaborative R&D approach will address the complex challenges and opportunities of plastics circularity. Strategic partners across industry, academia and government will work to deliver practical and scalable technologies that can ensure solutions meet the needs of stakeholders across the value chain. Nova Chemicals, headquartered in Calgary, Canada, works with customers across several key markets. Its packaging solutions for the food and beverage industry include flexible and shrink film food packaging, and polyethene closure resins for beverages, condiments, baby food and more. Roger Kearns, president and CEO at Nova Chemicals, commented: “We welcome innovators from across Canada and beyond to join us in developing scalable solutions for the world’s most complex plastics challenges. Nova has an established reputation for working with others to spearhead innovation, and we are excited to continue bridging gaps between leading-edge ideas and commercially viable technologies." The company has launched its call for expression of interest in the initiative, targeting Canadian research institutions and focusing on mechanical recycling, advanced recycling and microplastics. Submissions are open now and will be closing on 19 April 2024.