Sask. company betting big on flax straw with plans for Weyburn processing plant

(Source: Nancy Greer)

A Saskatchewan agritech company is planning to open what it calls a world-first facility capable of processing flax straw into industrial-grade fibre and premium pellets in Weyburn.

Regina-based Prairie Clean Enterprises said in a news release it plans to start construction on “engineering enhancements” to the facility this month, with equipment expected to arrive in August and full production by September.

The company said the plant will have 30 full time employees, along with other benefits to Weyburn’s economy.

Over the last two years, Prairie Clean has purchased approximately 16,000 tonnes of flax straw and plans to purchase another 30,000 tonnes from farmers in the 2025 harvest.

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Saskatchewan has been Canada’s largest flax-producing province since the 1990s, according to the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission.

Exports of the crop are worth between $150 million and $180 million annually. It’s used in food production, personal care products and animal feeds, among other uses.

The Weyburn project focuses on processing unutilized flax straw, which is typically burned off following harvest.

PCE developed the method for processing the flax straw in 2024, which it says opens the door to further uses like pulp, specialty paper and more.

The method is also capable of processing some other agricultural and organic waste products.

PCE said its in the “final stages of raising capital” to complete the project.