VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Building on its solid line-up of strategic partners, Solegear Bioplastics Inc is pleased to announce it has signed letters of agreement with the University of British Columbia and Ecole Polytechnique to support the research and development of additional innovations in bioplastics. The agreements will enable Solegear to work closely with the chemical and biological engineering departments at these world-renowned institutions to uncover methods to alter the thermal properties of bioplastics as well as increase their strength, durability and moisture resistance. Solegear had planned to present initial findings on moisture management in bioplastics at the Biopolymer Symposium 2011 this past September, but will now be able to contribute to leading research in this space to achieve even greater results.

"Solegear's Polysole and Traverse bioplastic materials are already demonstrating that they can replace and, in some cases, outperform traditional petroleum-based plastics. While we are pleased with this initial success, we remain committed to innovation and to expanding our commercial opportunities," said Solegear CEO, Toby Reid. "By partnering with these leading institutions, we are ensuring that we can access the kind of thinking that will help us to not only stay on the leading edge of our industry, but to continue to move towards tangible, climate-focused solutions that have significant returns for the Canadian economy."

"We are pleased to be working with Solegear to develop bio-based formulations for compostable packaging materials," said École Polytechnique's Dr. Charles Dubois. "École's expertise in formulating and processing bioplastics is in perfect synergy with Solegear's activities in bioplastics engineering and compounding. We look forward to continuing to advance the science behind these innovative materials with Solegear, and to providing the benefits of compostable plastics to a growing audience."

The bioplastics industry has seen significant growth over the past 5 years, averaging almost 25% per year. Market growth going forward is expected to be in excess of 30% per year, according to Technavio's Global Bioplastics Market Report. "The bioplastics market is just taking off today, as consumers demand healthier solutions for a more stable future," added Reid. "In 10 years' time, how we make and dispose of products made from plastic will be completely transformed."

About Solegear Bioplastics Inc.:

Solegear, based in Vancouver, BC, designs, produces and distributes high-performance bioplastics and biocomposites, as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. The Company is leveraging patent-pending technologies, scalable production and business relationships with top global brands to become a leading supplier in the global bioplastics industry.

Source: Solegear Bioplastics Inc.