From the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean: Composites are making B.C.’s future stronger and lighter

Do you know what modern climbing gear and boat sails have in common? Besides being essential for exploring British Columbia, they’re both made from composite materials. Composites combine different materials to produce something stronger, lighter, and more adaptable than any of the materials on their own. Typically, a strong material is paired with a bonding agent that holds everything together. Modern manufacturing transforms these ingredients into finished products that are not only stronger and lighter, but also safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective. The magic of composites is that they provide qualities that neither material could achieve alone.

Transforming Industries Across Canada

Composites are reshaping industries across the country, sparking innovation in sectors ranging from healthcare and construction to sports gear and space travel. Today, they can be found in many products, such as medical devices, climbing gear, siding boards, vehicles, and airplane parts. While the potential for Canadian companies to use composites is enormous, manufacturing them is costly and requires complex processes, specialized expertise, and ongoing research. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in particular, face significant challenges in this industry, despite Canada’s strength in advanced manufacturing.

Enter the Composites Knowledge Network

The Composites Knowledge Network (CKN) is a federally funded, national, not-for-profit organization, hosted at the University of British Columbia (UBC), which connects businesses with the latest research in composite materials and transforms ideas into real-world products. CKN helps Canadian companies, particularly SMEs, make and use composites more efficiently and with less risk through two main initiatives:

• The Knowledge in Practice Centre. This free online resource offers science-based guides on composites manufacturing best practices for all levels of the industry. With case studies, practical advice, and foundational knowledge, these guides help companies improve processes, work more efficiently, and update manufacturing methods.
• Application + Impact Mobilization (AIM) Events. CKN also hosts events where businesses can learn new skills, connect with peers, share ideas, and see real-world examples they can apply. These events help improve the industry’s understanding of scientific principles that affect composites and support practical innovation.

Economic Impact

PacifiCan invested over $1.7 million in CKN to purchase new equipment and provide specialized training for businesses in a variety of sectors, such as outdoor recreation, clean technology, and aerospace. This investment is helping CKN expand its reach across British Columbia and make advanced composite manufacturing more accessible to local companies.

The results are impressive. To date, the investment has supported the creation of 18 new jobs and $524,783 in business expenditures in composites research and development. Additionally, 1,897 highly qualified personnel have been trained, and 32 SMEs have received support. Notably, CKN’s work has also produced 11 new prototypes ready for real-world testing. One of the most important outcomes is that SMEs in British Columbia are now better prepared to solve technical challenges and achieve long-term growth. With guidance from CKN, these companies are gaining confidence in using composite technologies in their everyday operations.

By connecting scientific research with real-life business needs, the Composites Knowledge Network is helping manufacturers across the province innovate, compete, and grow. This work is advancing British Columbia’s economy and helping to build a stronger, more resilient future for Canadian businesses.

“We are grateful for this PacifiCan investment in the Composites Knowledge Network (CKN). This funding will deepen our connections with SME partners, supporting their product development and the training of their personnel and future innovators. The resulting knowledge will enhance our Knowledge in Practice Centre, growing our capacity to provide advanced manufacturing solutions and positioning British Columbia and Canada as a global leader in composite materials research.”
-Dr. Anoush Poursartip, Co-Director, Composites Knowledge Network

Learn more

• The Composites Knowledge Network and its work to improve manufacturing efficiency for SMEs, with PacifiCan’s support.
• PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program