Purolator and McMaster University have announced the establishment of the Purolator Chair in Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management at McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business. The initiative aims to advance research in sustainable logistics, promote innovation, and create new opportunities for collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Ricardo Costa, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Purolator, emphasized the importance of bridging academic research and practical solutions. “This initiative brings together the best of academia and industry to turn leading-edge ideas into practical solutions that strengthen and modernize Canada’s supply chain,” he said. “The insights generated through this Chair will support meaningful improvements across the supply chain, from enhancing route planning and efficiency to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while offering students valuable hands-on experience that will help shape the future of national and global logistics.”
The Chair will be held by Elkafi Hassini, professor of operations management and associate dean of research at the DeGroote School of Business. Hassini highlighted the multi-faceted nature of the research program, noting that it will not only explore technological advancements but also consider broader sustainability and social objectives. “This Chair will accelerate Purolator’s innovative work in sustainable logistics by bringing together industry, academic institutions, students, and government to co-design solutions that benefit communities across Canada,” Hassini said. “As academic lead for McMaster’s Planetary Health initiative, I am excited to align this work with our broader mission to improve human and environmental well-being through resilient, low-carbon supply chains.”
Over the next five years, Hassini will oversee research initiatives focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and data science applications in logistics, automation and robotics, decarbonization strategies, and workforce safety. The program will engage students from multiple universities, allowing them to contribute to research projects and participate in an annual Innovation Showcase, where findings and practical applications will be shared with industry stakeholders.
Khaled Hassanein, dean of the DeGroote School of Business, said the partnership underscores the value of collaboration between business and academia. “Our partnership with Purolator reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and meaningful collaboration,” Hassanein said. “By working together on real business challenges, our students gain the skills and experience necessary to become leaders in tomorrow’s economy while contributing to tangible improvements in supply chain efficiency and environmental impact.”
Purolator has previously committed to advancing sustainable practices across its operations, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency in logistics and delivery networks. Through this Chair, the company seeks to further integrate academic research into practical applications, supporting the development of solutions that are both environmentally responsible and operationally effective.
McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, known for its focus on research and experiential learning, will provide the platform for ongoing studies into supply chain sustainability, enabling students, researchers, and industry partners to collaborate on projects addressing real-world challenges. The initiative is expected to strengthen Canada’s position in global supply chain innovation and provide a model for combining sustainability with efficiency in logistics operations.
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