Feds invest $2.1M in FPInnovations for new equipment to advance bioproducts

FPInnovations is receiving over $2.1 million from the federal government to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for construction materials and bioproducts.

The new equipment will allow FPInnovations to increase its research and development and technology transfer activities with Quebec SMEs operating in the panel industry.

“FPInnovations was able to acquire advanced analytical equipment including the optical surface profilometer or the high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) that will allow improved characterization of lignocellulosic materials to support FPInnovations’ members in the development of new materials in fields such as packaging, textiles or construction,” says Stéphane Renou, president and CEO of FPInnovations, in a statement to Pulp & Paper Canada.

“In addition, FPInnovations’ press has been equipped with a new system for testing resins with a lower environmental impact for composite panels. We have also integrated a dynamic image analyzer that allows to determine the geometry of the fibres and their distribution in order to optimize the insulation properties of bio-sourced insulation materials.”

The funds were provided under Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. This program is geared towards entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to grow their businesses and make them more competitive, as well as regional economic stakeholders.

“We are delighted to receive this financial support, which will allow FPInnovations to acquire new equipment that is invaluable to SMEs operating in the forestry sector, allowing them to innovate and set themselves apart in increasingly competitive markets,” says Renou.

“These investments will help promote forests as a strategic source of growth for the bioeconomy and the transition to a greener economy that is needed in our fight against climate change.”