FALL 2020 10 14 FPInnovations recently received a $1.3 million grant to develop biodegradable, sustainable face masks from wood fibre to help protect against COVID-19. The project shows how the Canadian forest industry can help respond to a national need. Masks made in Canada 16 When TerraVerdae Bioworks began in 2009, the idea of produc-ing natural biodegradable bioplastics seemed like a dream. But the company now has a pilot facility and is scaling up production in response to demand from multiple markets. Budding bioplastics 18 Pinnacle Renewable Energy has completed upgrades at its Wil-liams Lake, B.C., plant, including the installation of a new bed dryer, to overcome the challenges of a changing fibre supply. 10 POSITIONED FOR SUCCESS Entrepreneurs Antoine and Simon Langlois are betting big on biochar. In 2018, they established Xylo-Carbone, and began selling high-en-ergy biochar products, while using other byproducts to power the facility, making it the only net-zero charcoal facility in the world. Creating value 20 Terrace Community Forest has launched a wood waste grinding project, with help from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC, to fully utilize the available fibre supply and create new jobs. Grinding grants opportunities “Having a biodegradable mask is incredibly important to making the use of masks sustainable.” Read the full story on page 14 16 DEPARTMENTS 5 6 13 Event coverage Industry news New products 20 COLUMNS 4 8 22 Editorial WPAC – Fighting climate change Final Thoughts Our Cover A view of the new Stela bed dryer installed at Pinnacle’s Williams Lake, B.C., plant. Read the full story on page 10. Photo courtesy Pinnacle Renewable Energy. Canadian BIOMASS 3
Canadian Biomass Fall 2020: Page 3
