Material goods

Biotech R&D firm Biosa Technologies Ltd. to establish London production and distribution facility

AIDED BY FINANCIAL support from the province, a Toronto-based biotechnology research and development firm is establishing a production facility on Consortium Court in London.

Biosa Technologies Ltd. has announced it will invest $1.23 million to build a 4,000-square-foot plant in London to produce non-woven anti-viral and anti-bacterial textile material for use in personal protective equipment (PPE) products.

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Through the Ontario Together Fund (OTF), a $615,000 investment from the province will help the company establish the facility and ramp up production.

“We’re thrilled to receive OTF funding – we’ve been working hard to bring advanced manufacturing processes to Ontario and this investment has allowed us to build out our capabilities and bring much-needed materials to Canada’s local supply chain,” says Biosa CEO, Nicholas Ledra, in a released statement.

“Through this investment, we can have an even greater impact through our advanced PPE material, as well as pursue novel applications of it for HVAC filtration in schools and hospitals. We’re excited to see where the technology can go” ―Nicholas Ledra

Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade, adds, “Biosa and their new capacity to scale up production of an advanced material for use in masks and other PPE products is another example of Ontario innovation at its very best. Ontario manufacturers continue to enhance our resilience to respond to any challenge while strengthening our economy.”

According to Biosa, they have developed a filtration product with a pore size that is a fifth the size of the pores in current N95 masks, providing reliable protection even when wet, unlike current medical-grade masks.

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In addition, the fabric is made from excess agricultural waste, is resistant to humidity, can be worn for extended periods, is compostable and can be cleaned for future use.

“We strongly believe in Canadians’ health and safety and preserving our environment, so our focus will always be on replacing harmful or wasteful products with eco-friendly, efficient solutions,” Ledra adds. “Through this investment, we can have an even greater impact through our advanced PPE material, as well as pursue novel applications of it for HVAC filtration in schools and hospitals. We’re excited to see where the technology can go.”

Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, the company developed material for the military, first responders and workers in environmentally hazardous jobs.