Forest Bioeconomy in B.C.

Last updated on May 14, 2025

The forest bioeconomy uses sustainably managed forest material, also known as forest biomass, to make bioproducts including consumer goods and industrial products. Forest biomass can be any forest material from trees to shrubs to branches to berries. A successful bioeconomy helps reduce petrochemical-based products in the economy.

Purpose of the forest bioeconomy

The forest bioeconomy finds innovative uses for residual material from conventional forestry or non-timber forest products. In doing so, the forest bioeconomy shifts the forest sector to a high-value, waste-free circular economy that mitigates climate change.

The B.C. forest bioeconomy is still developing. It relies on partnerships with Indigenous peoples and private companies to create innovative, high-value bioproducts.

Why invest in B.C.'s forest bioeconomy?

By investing in the forest bioeconomy, B.C. encourages the diversification of the forest sector. Diversification offers new potential for:

Creating good jobs
Making room for an Indigenous-led approach to forestry
Using residual fibre, formerly waste, as an untapped resource

This innovation aligns with the principles behind BC’s Zero Waste and Climate Change initiatives. The forest bioeconomy will help shift B.C. from a high-volume to a high-value forest sector as committed to in the Minister's Mandate.

What are forest bioproducts?

Forest bioproducts are commercial, industrial or consumer goods made wholly or substantially from forest biomass. B.C. has a mature and established forest sector mainly producing conventional forest products such as lumber, pulp, paper, veneers and furniture. The forest bioeconomy goes beyond these products and expands the sector by adding emerging bioproducts.

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Bioproduct examples:

Partnering programs and initiatives

Supporting diverse products and innovative uses of our natural resources is an important part of diversifying our bio-economy. The province partners with multiple organizations, including:

BC Bioenergy Network
BC Community Climate Funding Guide for Indigenous Communities and Local Governments
BCWood
BioComposites Research Network (BioCRN)
First Nation Clean Energy Business Fund
Forestry Innovation Investment
FPInnovations
Indigenous Forestry Initiative
Investments in Forest Industry Transformation
Mass Timber Demonstration Program
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
Woodworks BC
Wood First Initiative

The BC Community Climate Funding Guide highlights climate action funding for Indigenous communities and local governments.

This comprehensive guide offers tools that make it easy for Indigenous communities and local governments to find funding for which they are eligible.

Many programs listed in the BC Community Climate Funding Guide are also open to businesses, individuals and other organizations.

Funding from the Innovation, Bioeconomy and Indigenous Opportunities Branch encompasses overhead and administrative costs for approved projects.

Learn more about the Administrative Fee Cap Policy

Contact information

Email
IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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