New paper-chip system designed to provide packaging alternative for business and commercial use

November 9, 2011

Whitby, Ont. – Durham College announced today the formation of a research collaboration with ALX Technical Services (ALX)-Global Earth Products (GEP), an Ontario-based company focused on providing a measurable impact on the improvement and maintenance of earth, air and water quality. The agreement will see the two organizations work together on Paperchipz, a recyclable packaging system prototype that is designed to make natural paper chips for product packaging.

The collaboration is one of 16 partnerships between Durham College and small businesses funded through the Applied Research and Commercialization initiative, which is delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Durham College received $750,000 in research funding to work with small- and medium-sized businesses on activities such as applied research, engineering design, technology development and product testing and certification to create new economic opportunities and help businesses in southern Ontario grow and become more innovative and competitive.

The Paperchipz prototype, which is the size of a small microwave, uses a roll of paper to produce paper filler for packaging use. It was developed in response to the global movement for environmentally-friendly packaging and an alternative to bubble-wrap, polystyrene and styrofoam. Until recently all three were considered standard packaging fillers but because none are 100 per cent recyclable and therefore create waste, companies are seeking to replace them with recyclable or reusable alternatives.

“Paperchipz is a simple system for recyclable packaging that enables any size business – large or small – to quickly make their own 100 per cent natural paper chips for packaging their products,” said Ralph Cilevitz, inventor, Paperchipz, ALX-GEP.  “It produces paper filler on site and whenever it’s needed. Durham College has been invaluable in helping us develop Paperchipz.”

Working with ALX-GEP on the project are Rob Braithwaite, a professor with the Durham College School of Science & Engineering Technology, and David Tait and Nicholas Moffat, both recent Mechanical Engineering Technology program graduates.

“Durham College is excited to be working with ALX-GEP on this unique research project, which has the potential to provide small- and large-size businesses with a cost-effective and environmentally-responsible packaging option,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, Office of Research Services and Innovation, Durham College. “The ongoing development of this new prototype directly reflects the college’s commitment to providing local businesses with access to the expertise of our faculty and student researchers and state-of-the-art labs and facilities.”

-30-

About Durham College
At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2011, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 8,400 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 30,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 950 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public.

In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

 

About ALX-GEP

ALX-GEP is an Ontario-based company that identifies, develops and commercializes green technology solutions. GEP owns a portfolio of companies with promising green technology solutions that are commercially proven or on the verge of delivering a commercial solution.

Media contact:

Allison Rosnak
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Don Fenton
ALX-GEP
416.434.3681
don.fenton@globalearthproducts.com