Researching and formulating microplastic-free cleaning tablets - BC-973

Project type: Innovation
Desired discipline(s): Engineering - chemical / biological, Engineering, Biochemistry / Molecular biology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Natural Sciences
Company: Nature Bee Holdings Ltd
Project Length: 6 months to 1 year
Preferred start date: 09/08/2025
Language requirement: English
Location(s): Victoria, BC, Canada
No. of positions: 1
Desired education level: CollegeUndergraduate/BachelorMaster'sPhDPostdoctoral fellowRecent graduate
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: No

About the company: 

Nature Bee creates sustainable home goods like beeswax wraps, dishcloths, and concentrated cleaning products, reducing plastic waste and making eco-friendly living simple, effective, and beautiful.

Describe the project.: 

Nature Bee is developing a line of microplastic-free cleaning tablets — including dishwasher, laundry, and toilet scrub tablets — that are both environmentally safe and highly effective. Most conventional dishwasher tablets use PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) films that contribute to microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. This project focuses on creating a Canadian-made dishwasher tablet that is fully natural, biodegradable, and high-performing, without the use of PVA or synthetic polymers.

The goal is to formulate a product that effectively removes grease, tolerates hard water, and breaks down limescale, while remaining safe for water systems and greywater reuse. The project will generate in-depth knowledge of biodegradable ingredients, assess their functional roles, and develop a formulation that can be manufactured in Canada using locally sourced materials when possible.

The intern will begin with a comprehensive literature review of active and inactive ingredients used in cleaning tablets, such as surfactants, binders, descalers, chelators, and preservatives, evaluating each for safety, performance, and environmental impact. Natural alternatives will be identified as replacements where needed. Lab-scale testing will follow, assessing cleaning performance, foam and dispersion rates, and comparing results against conventional tablets. Ingredient compatibility, sourcing options, and environmental impact will be analyzed in parallel.

Supplies and ingredients will be purchased for testing, and the intern will explore the feasibility of Canadian manufacturing to support Nature Bee’s commitment to sustainable local production.

The project will conclude with a full technical report outlining ingredient selection, test results, environmental assessments, and a recommended prototype formula. By replacing plastic-releasing binders and films with natural, biodegradable alternatives, this project will advance innovation in the green cleaning space while ensuring transparency, sustainability, and commercial viability.

Required expertise/skills: 

Background in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field. Hands-on lab or formulation experience preferred. Ability to research scientific and technical sources, conduct tests, and interpret lab data. Familiarity with surfactants, pH balancers, binders, citric acid, sodium carbonate, and other common cleaning ingredients is a strong asset. Strong analytical and reporting skills are essential. Must be comfortable managing a small materials/testing budget. Passion for eco-friendly product development is a bonus.