Purolator and McMaster University have launched the Purolator Chair in Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management at McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business.

They say it will advance sustainable logistics and expand research opportunities.

“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,” said Ricardo Costa, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Purolator.

“The insights from this Chair will support meaningful improvements – from enhancing routing design to reducing greenhouse gas emissions – while giving students valuable opportunities to 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.

“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,” said Hassini. “As academic lead for McMaster’s Planetary Health initiative, I’m 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 lead research on AI and data science, automation, decarbonization and workforce safety. Each year, a cohort of students from various universities will work with Purolator on research projects, sharing results through an annual Innovation Showcase.

“Our partnership with Purolator reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and meaningful collaboration between industry and academia,” said Khaled Hassanein, dean of the DeGroote School of Business. “Tackling real business problems together offers a unique learning opportunity for our students to become the kind of leaders that tomorrow’s economy demands.”