Unit 6 - Forest Research: Emerging Applications


Lesson 1: The Bio-pathways Project

In recent years, the Canadian forest industry has been struggling with many challenges. Increasing competition from developing countries, devastating beetle damage, a global economic downturn, environmental pressures, and a Canada-United States trade dispute over softwood lumber have all taken their toll as processing industries had shut down and tens of thousands of people were laid off. The years between 2003 and 2009 witnessed the loss of 130,000 jobs and the temporary or permanent closure of 455 mills.

In response to this dire situation, the Forest Products Association of Canada commissioned a landmark study aimed at enhancing Canada's use of its forests. More specifically, the study explored opportunities for Canada's forest industry to participate in the new bio-economy.




What exactly is a bio-economy?

The European Commission defines the bioeconomy as "the production of renewable biological resources and the conversion of these resources and waste streams into value added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy". In transitioning to a sustainable bio-based economy, the way of doing things need to be rethought and research will play an important role.

For a better understanding of what a bio-economy is, watch the video to the left.

Case Study: The Bio-pathways Project

The specific purpose of the Bio-pathways Project was to examine ways in which Canada's forest industry might transform itself in order to meet the growing global demand for environmentally-friendly bioproducts. Bioproducts are products that originate from natural, renewable sources such as wood. These bio products can be broadly grouped into three categories: bioenergy, biochemicals, and biomaterials as explained here:

Bioenergy: wood fibre can be used to produce biofuels, heat, and electricity.

Biochemicals: wood fibre can be used to produce chemicals such as food, flavours, dyes, solvents, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals.

Biomaterials: wood fibre can be used to make many materials such as textiles, bio plastics, bioactive papers, and specialty wood products.