The BE-UP
revolution
Eco-friendly biopolymers made in Quebec. A sustainable, innovative alternative to conventional plastics. BE-UP for our planet.
The world is ready, are you?Hero visual: biopolymer and planet
A unique and innovative biopolymer
Our synthesis technology for 100% biobased and biodegradable biopolymers uses a non-pathogenic, non-transgenic bacterial strain fed with sugar sources. These sources can come from plant matter (sugar cane, sugar beets, potatoes and the like) or from agricultural processing residues (cellulose) or food processing residues.
The process uses no toxic solvents and has a negligible ecological footprint compared with conventional petrochemical manufacturing processes.
Bioprocess diagram
Our mission
BE-UP's mission is to contribute to a new bioeconomy by commercializing its unique and innovative biopolymer across a wide range of applications in various sectors, including cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, biomedical and industrial, reducing the footprint of these activities by substituting its biopolymer for traditionally used plastics.
Our values
BE-UP manufactures and markets biopolymers developed in Quebec and produced using innovative, environmentally friendly processes. Our biopolymers are fully biodegradable and made from renewable raw materials. They belong to a large family of 100% natural compounds: PHAs (PolyHydroxyAlkanoates).
With properties equivalent to conventional plastics, most of which are petroleum based, PHAs offer an alternative to their use. They meet today's environmental and societal imperatives and are produced in line with sustainable development principles. The innovative technologies used to manufacture them make them competitive, on top of being 100% natural, biodegradable, compostable, GMO free and more.
Awards and standards
NASA-TECH
The technology received a NASA-TECH award for the unique properties of its nano-biopolymer. NASA-TECH is a company that seeks to identify the technologies of the future.
Sollio Agriculture
On November 21, 2019, Biotechnologies BE-UP received the Sollio Agriculture award at the Cooperathon, the largest innovation competition in the world (cooperathon.com).
OK compost and EN 13432
Our biopolymers meet the “OK compost” standard and the “EN 13432” standard.
What are PHAs?
A biodegradable polymer. PHAs (PolyHydroxyAlkanoates) are a family of biopolymers with characteristics similar to conventional plastics, while being biodegradable.
Characteristics of our PHAs
Biodegradable and compostable
Biocompatible
Our PHAs are also recognized as biocompatible, meaning they can be introduced into the human body without triggering rejection. Short PHB chains are even found naturally in human plasma.
Resistant
Our PHAs resist many chemicals, offer various processing options (extrusion, thermoforming and more, often with the same equipment as conventional plastics), have a high molecular weight, resist moisture, can be colored, are printable, and more.
Unique physicochemical characteristics
Many physicochemical characteristics make our PHAs first-rate biopolymers. Their high melting temperature allows them to be used in applications out of reach for other bioplastics. Their barrier capacity against various gases, notably oxygen, exceeds that of most conventional polymers, making them ideal candidates for food packaging applications.
Non-toxic and bioresorbable
Non-toxic and bioresorbable, our PHAs are a material of choice for developing a new generation of biomedical products.
Can be blended
Our PHAs can also be blended with other biopolymers, in various proportions, to give new products specific characteristics tailored to each client's particular needs.
Versatility
Our biopolymers can be supplied as a latex (aqueous solution), gels or powders. They can be extruded into pellets and processed with conventional equipment. A patented process allowing the molecular weight of some of our resins to be adjusted offers added versatility.
A universe of possibilities
And many more!
Shrinking our footprint, without compromise
Our societies are increasingly aware of and informed about environmental issues. It is therefore essential to put strategies in place to limit the degradation of our environment and promote sustainable development. Our mission is steeped in it.
The effects of plastic waste on marine and land ecosystems are now well known and measured. BE-UP offers a biodegradable, compostable and recyclable resin that can replace a great many objects made of conventional plastic.
Our biopolymers help reduce the use of non-renewable natural resources, cut plastic waste generation and limit the chemical pollution associated with petroleum refining processes.
Environmental impact
How our biopolymers stand apart from the competition
- A unique bioprocess for fermentation, purification and extraction, with no ecological footprint
- The use of non-pathogenic, non-genetically modified bacteria
- Their semi-crystalline chemical structure with a high molecular weight
- Their nanospherical or microparticulate structure allowing epidermal penetration up to 20 microns
- A patented technology for producing an aqueous-phase emulsion
- Purity levels reaching up to 99.99%
- Their functionalizable property, meaning an active agent or vitamin can be grafted onto them
- Control over their absorption or degradation
- Their UVA and UVB barrier capacity
- The absence of solvents in every process
The BE-UP revolution.
Our biopolymers for the environment!
BE-UP for our planet. The time has come to replace plastics!
2250 Leon-Harmel Street,
Quebec City, Quebec, G1N 4L2, Canada
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