erthos ingredients: scaling from lab to market - ON-1106

Project type: Research
Desired discipline(s): Engineering - chemical / biological, Engineering, Engineering - other, Chemistry, Natural Sciences
Company: erthos Inc.
Project Length: Longer than 1 year
Preferred start date: As soon as possible.
Language requirement: English
Location(s): Mississauga, ON, Canada
No. of positions: 2-3
Desired education level: Master'sPhDPostdoctoral fellowRecent graduate
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: Yes

About the company: 

As a climate technology company specializing in sustainable material design, erthos® focuses on rapidly reducing the global dependency on plastics by accelerating the scale and widespread adoption of biomaterials. We develop bespoke sustainable materials (erthos® Ingredients) and digital tools (ZYA™) tailored to meet our clients’ sustainability and functional goals.

Describe the project.: 

We are looking for the following expertise. If individual candidates have all the below expertise, that is a bonus.
1. Polymer Scientist – ideally with a Master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral experience in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science. Core requirements:
● Strong academic or applied research background in polymer blends, biobased/compostable materials, and naturally occurring polymers
● Deep knowledge of polymer additives (e.g., fillers, plasticizers, compatibilizers, coupling agents, lubricants) and their role in performance and processing
● Hands-on experience with extrusion, batch mixing, injection, compression molding, cast film, and blown film techniques
● Demonstrated ability to lead structured experiments (e.g., Design of Experiments) and perform data-driven and statistical optimization
● Patent drafting and/or publication of novel materials research is an asset
2. Barrier Materials Researcher – ideally with a PhD or postdoctoral experience in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Packaging Engineering. Core requirements:
● Research experience in barrier technologies, including lamination, coatings, or chemical treatments for packaging
● Expertise in paper, paperboard, and molded fiber in the context of functional or sustainable packaging
● Strong understanding of synthetic and natural polymer chemistry applied to barrier performance

● Demonstrated experimentation with various polymers, bioplastics, additives, and treatments to meet mechanical and barrier property targets
● Publication or research portfolio in sustainable packaging, compostable packaging, film development, or barrier systems is preferred

Required expertise/skills: 

This project supports the continued development, scale-up, and commercialization of erthos®’ sustainable ingredients — including compostable resins, films, paper coatings, and additives to replace plastic packaging inputs.

The project encompasses three key areas:
● Formulation Optimization – Refining material blends using Design of Experiments (DoE), testing, and QA protocols.
● Feedstock Validation – Assess global biobased inputs (e.g., starches, glycerin, fibers, bioplastics) for cost, quality, and performance.
● Scale-Up and Application Testing – Conduct pilot production trials with toll manufacturers; test materials in packaging formats and benchmark against fossil-based plastics.

This work builds on erthos’ internal R&D and connects lab-scale science with industrial readiness, strengthening the sustainable materials value chain. Outcomes include validated feedstocks, production-ready formulations, pilot SOPs, and CPG partner feedback to drive adoption.

Candidates will support across all project areas, sharing their expertise with formulation chemistry, scale-up, and product validation—contributing to the global transition from fossil plastics to sustainable materials.