In this conversation, host Bryndis Whitson sits down with Jonathan Moser to demystify the everyday materials we rarely think about: plastics, cement, and concrete. They talk about the massive supply chains that bring them to life, from Alberta’s natural‑gas liquids and hydrocarbon “crackers” to the railcars that ship plastic pellets to manufacturers. Jonathan also shares stories from his time at Dow Chemical Canada, including the logistics and materials technology behind the Vancouver 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

Next, Jonathan shares his expertise on building materials: how limestone becomes clinker in 2,000°C kilns (and what clinker is), why that big preheater tower matters, and the crucial difference between cement (the flour) and concrete (the cake batter). Jonathan walks through low‑carbon fuels in kilns, carbon‑capture pilots, and the growing role of supplementary cementitious materials (fly ash, clays, glass) and reused aggregates (recycled concrete, reclaimed asphalt). Along the way, the conversation touches on site logistics, environmentally-friendly technology, and community engagement, all of which keeps major facilities thriving in Western Canada.

About Jonathan Moser

Born in Regina and raised in Kamloops, Jonathan Moser studied at UBC and spent a decade in Ottawa politics and consulting, with roles touching the Prime Minister’s Office and the federal Health Minister. After relocating to Alberta, he joined Dow Chemical Canada in corporate communications and stakeholder/government relations, supporting hydrocarbons and ESG initiatives.

He then spent nearly a decade in building materials with Lafarge (now known as Amrize) leading environment and public‑affairs work across Canada, including low‑carbon kiln fuels, net‑zero planning, and community engagement. Since 2021, he has run Moser Public Affairs, advising on business development, communications, and stakeholder strategy.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Alberta Incremental Ethane Extraction Program (IEEP) guidelines (Gov. of Alberta)
• Dow x Vancouver 2010 — Insulation & heat‑transfer fluids announcement
• Linde–Dow clean hydrogen partnership (Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero)
• NOVA Chemicals — Joffre manufacturing complex
• Exshaw cement plant modernization overview (Aecon project page)
• Heidelberg Materials — Edmonton CCUS project

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Contact Bryndis Whitson:

• Website: ZebrasToApples.com
• Instagram: @ZebrasToApples
• LinkedIn
  
  

Contact Jonathan Moser:

• Website - Moser Public Affairs
• Linkedin - Jonathan Moser