Attendees also heard about the fruitful partnerships, environmental advantages, and economic opportunities from Red Leaf’s circular economy project. Kris presented a number of bio-derived, biodegradable uses for market pulp, including food packaging, bathroom tissue and sulphur-free lignin.
Red Leaf’s advancement is also contributing to Saskatchewan’s leadership in carbon-positive fuel development. Red Leaf is grateful to its investors, producers, local First Nations bands, and staff. Together, we can all gain from this environmentally responsible, value-added manufacturing. Interested Regina-based producers and contract bailers can find out more about partnering with Red Leaf here.
One of the key learnings was from Alana Koch (pictured below) who shared the results of a study from the Global Institute Food Security regarding the carbon footprint of our agriculture compared to the rest of the world. While Red Leaf accepts all cereal crops, including Durum and non-Durum wheat, oats, and barley, the study highlights Saskatchewan as the world's best jurisdiction for low carbon footprint feedstock. “Canadian and Saskatchewan farmers generate significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions in non-durum wheat production. Saskatchewan and Western Canadian farmers have a lower carbon footprint than Canada, at 29 per cent and 13 per cent lower respectively. Most regions studied are over 90 per cent higher than the Canadian average, with the exception of Russia which was 38 per cent higher than Canada’s average.” (Source1) (More information/full research paper).
The event generated a very positive response and was an ideal opportunity for knowledge sharing, inspiration, and collaboration.
The following week Kris participated on a panel regarding: at the Economic Development Regina Bioeconomy Event. “From renewable fuel to pulp and paper to fertilizer, the GRA’s biomass cluster has the potential to deliver more than $1.8 billion in economic activity and more than 4,100 jobs to the region by 2027 – while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable economy.” (Source).
