Forest Bioeconomy in B.C.
The forest bioeconomy uses sustainably managed forest material (forest biomass) to make bioproducts like consumer goods and industrial products. Forest biomass can be any forest material from shrubs to branches, to berries. The bioeconomy ultimately contributes to reduced petrochemical-based products in the economy.
On this page:
- Purpose of the forest bioeconomy
- Why invest in B.C.'s forest bioeconomy?
- What are forest bioproducts?
- Partnering programs and initiatives
Purpose of the forest bioeconomy
The forest bioeconomy finds innovative uses for residuals from conventional forestry or non-timber forest products. In doing so, the forest bioeconomy is helping shift the forest sector to a high-value, waste-free circular economy that fights against climate change.
Currently, the B.C. forest bioeconomy is in its early stages. It relies on partnerships with Indigenous peoples and private companies across the province to create innovative, high-value bioproducts.
Why invest in B.C.'s forest bioeconomy?
By investing in the development of a forest bioeconomy, B.C. is encouraging the diversification of the forest sector, thus broadening the potential of the forest sector, creating good jobs, and making room for new Indigenous-led approaches to forestry. This innovation means seeing residual ‘waste’ fibre as an untapped resource, which aligns with the principles behind BC’s Zero Waste and Climate Change initiatives. The forest bioeconomy also supports achieving the Ministry’s Mandate commitments such as shifting from a high-volume to high-value forest sector.
What are forest bioproducts?
Forest bioproducts result from 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 established products – expanding the sector by adding emerging bioproducts.
Click on the image below to enlarge the picture.
Bioproduct examples:
- Cellulose nanocrystals (PDF, 143KB)
- Pulp-reinforced thermoplastic composites (PDF, 137KB)
- Indigenous arts and crafts (PDF, 121KB)
- Bio-refining technologies – bio-char (PDF, 130KB)
- Bio-refining technologies – bio-coal (PDF, 124KB)
- Bio-refining technologies – bio-tar (PDF, 124KB)
- Wood residue composite (PDF, 114KB)
- Combined heat and power (PDF, 115KB)
- Essential oils extracted from commercial B.C. trees (PDF, 123KB)
- Western hemlock bark extract (PDF, 120KB)
- Wood fibre insulation (PDF, 119KB)
- Cross laminated timber (PDF, 136KB)
Partnering programs and initiatives
Supporting diverse products and innovative use of our natural resources is an important part of diversifying our bio-economy. The province partners with multiple organizations to do so.
These partnerships include:
- 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