Unit 6 - Forest Research: Emerging Applications


Lesson 3: The Next Steps for Canada's Forest Sector

 The Bio-pathways Project has very clearly demonstrated that the Canadian forest sector is ready and willing to become a dynamic contributor to the new bioeconomy.

But the Forest Products Association of Canada realizes that this landmark study is only the beginning. If this vision is to become a reality, the following next steps are needed:

  • Canadians will need to collectively embrace this new direction for Canada's forest industry.

  • Policy must be put in place that will advance innovation, create domestic markets, and encourage the first adoption of the most promising technologies.

  • The government and private sector must continue to invest in the new bio-economy.

  • Industry must seek out new partnerships outside the forest sector. For example, potential partners could include the oil and gas, chemical, auto, aerospace, and agricultural sectors, as well as academia (example, universities and colleges).

 


The Bio-pathways Project set the stage for many forest industries to look at how they could use wood fibre for more and more uses, such as cosmetics, chemicals, clothing, tires, airplane parts and so much more.
Some of the companies/associations that are directly involved or assisting the forest industry to create new products, are: