Alterra Innovation of Steinbach, Man., has developed an ear tag for pigs that melts away in scalding hot water used in packing plants.
The traditional tags used for the Pig Trace program need to be cut off by packing plant staff.
Inventor Ellery Burton said his biodegradeable ear tags are safe and keep plastics out of landfills and the environment.
They could also be used for cull sows and other livestock, he said.
