FPInnovations will partner with Resolute to launch pilot-scale biorefinery
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.
