Pyrolysis - From end of life plastics to endless life plastics
Abstract
Pyrovac has developed over the last decades a proprietary pyrolysis technology that allows to transform residual materials into valuable products. The technology can be applied to forestry or agricultural biomasses, waste plastics and composite materials as well as used tires. Value-added products such as agricultural biostimulants and oils that can be used in plastics upcycling are generated from the process.
Sustane is active in the recycling of plastics and applies pyrolysis to produce high value oils that are precursors to plastics synthesis. The process is at the industrial demonstration stage in Chester N.S. and proves to reduce fossil resources by recycling end of life plastics, therefore significatively contributing to greenhouse gas reduction.
Bios
Blaise Labrecque
Mr. Labrecque holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Université Laval. He also earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Sherbrooke, as well as an Executive MBA from UQAM, specializing in technology management. He joined the Pyrovac team in 2022 to contribute to business development and the implementation of technological innovation projects.
Throughout his career, Mr. Labrecque has worked for various public R&D centers and private companies in fields including energy, materials, and the environment. He began his career as a researcher, working notably for the Ministry of National Defense and Natural Resources Canada. He then shifted his focus to commercialization and innovation management while working at the National Research Council of Canada. Finally, he held senior management positions in public institutions and private companies before joining Pyrovac.
Mr. Labrecque possesses a broad range of expertise as a researcher, knowledge transfer specialist, innovation and commercialization manager, as well as in strategic and operational management.
Keith Van Scotter
Keith Van Scotter is a seasoned engineering and technology executive with more than 35 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry across the United States and Canada. For the past nine years, he has served as Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology at Sustane Technologies, where he has played a key role in advancing innovative and sustainable waste-to-resource solutions.
He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Idaho. Throughout his career, Keith has built a strong reputation for operational excellence, strategic leadership, and driving technological innovation in complex industrial environments.
His achievements have been recognized through several prestigious honors. In 2015, he was inducted into the University of Idaho Academy of Engineering in recognition of his outstanding professional accomplishments. He was also named Executive of the Year by the Paper Industry Management Association in 2007 and received the Herman L. Joachim Award from Syracuse University for excellence in management.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Keith is a certified CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, reflecting his commitment to personal development, discipline, and performance.
With decades of industry expertise and a passion for innovation and sustainability, Keith brings valuable insight and leadership to the fields of engineering, industrial operations, and environmental technologies.