About

Stratus Plastics International Inc. is a Canadian-owned company based in Windsor, Ontario, established in 2004. The company has over 20 years of experience in advanced plastic manufacturing, primarily serving the automotive sector as an injection molder. Stratus has developed strong capabilities in product development, tooling, production, quality systems, and high-volume manufacturing.

Project

Stratus is diversifying into the controlled environment agriculture sector through its Thermaroot™ technology. Thermaroot™ is a rootzone temperature management system designed for commercial greenhouses. The system is installed beneath the plant rootzone and uses circulated heated or chilled water to help maintain optimal rootzone temperatures. With support from the Technology Access Program, Stratus Plastics will work with the Vineland Research Centre TDS validate the product in a cucumber trial in the greenhouse. 

Impact

The project will result in the full-season demonstration and validation of Thermaroot™ rootzone management technology in a modern Ontario greenhouse environment.  The project will also generate third-party validation through the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, which will help reduce technical and commercial risk for growers considering adoption.  Over the next 2 to 3 years, the company expects this opportunity could support approximately 3 to 6 new direct jobs at Stratus as commercialization grows. Additional indirect jobs may be supported through Ontario-based suppliers, greenhouse installers, plumbing and mechanical contractors, sensor and control providers, and greenhouse operators adopting the system.