FPInnovations will partner with Resolute to launch pilot-scale biorefinery

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The forest sector can be a vector for the development of a low-carbon economy and the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions. The recent news from Canada are a prime example of that: Ontario is supporting a new pilot-scale biorefinery in Thunder Bay that will encourage sustainable forest management, create jobs and boost the economy in the area. The pilot plant is part of an extensive cluster of forest bioeconomy research in the North of Ontario that will help companies diversify their businesses and ensure sustainability.

On the one hand, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (a development agency of the Ontario government that invests in northern businesses and municipalities) will contribute with $4.5 million to assist FPInnovations (a not-for-profit organization specialized in the creation of scientific solutions in support of the Canadian forest sector’s global competitiveness) in establishing the fully functioning biorefinery (see the press release). The new plant will speed up the mass production and successful commercialization of green chemicals derived from wood.

Figure 1. Resolute saw mill in Thunder Bay (extracted from Resolute web page). Resolute will host the pilot plant at its Thunder Bay site

On the other hand, Resolute Forest Products (a global leader in the forest products industry) will provide C$3.5 million to this innovative project and host the pilot plant at its Thunder Bay pulp and paper facility (see the blog post). Resolute will partner with FPInnovations to develop eco-friendly products that have the potential to create renewable, biodegradable and cost-effective alternatives to petroleum-based products for use in the construction, automotive, mining, oil and other sectors. The three-year research program will help demonstrate the feasibility of the process and optimize market applications for biochemicals derived from wood.

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