Canadian Forest Industry Research Articles

A review of Canadian wood conversion technologies for the production of fuels and chemicals

AbstractCanada has 347 million ha of forest cover, contributing to the potential large availability of wood‐based resources. Although Canada's forest sector contributed $23.7 billion to the national nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, the GDP contribution of the wood product manufacturing subsector shrank by 6%. To reposition the Canadian forest industry, new forest management practices and wood‐based conversion technologies should be applied. In this context, the use of woody biomass in biorefineries to produce clean energy, fuels, and chemicals is becoming increasingly significant. There is a need to understand the current status and challenges of the wood‐based biomass conversion technologies that have been and are being developed in Canada. This information will help decision‐makers in formulating and implementing forest sector‐related policies for a sustainable bioeconomy in Canada. This study is focused on a review of Canadian woody biomass conversion technologies. Our critical review identified considerable potential biomass conversion technologies specialized for woody feedstock, all in the Canadian setting. We focused on the prospects of revitalizing Canada's pulp and paper industry through the integration of pre‐treatment processes and biochemical technologies. The thermochemical conversion pathway was identified as the dominant route for woody feedstock valorization. The review also identified pathways with the potential to diversify the existing product mix that generate products from wood streams, such as chemicals and biomaterials. Most of the biochemical and thermochemical research done in institutional and multi‐institutional research collaborations from laboratory scale to industrial scale will boost the chances of the commercialization of a wood‐based biorefinery in Canada.

Indigenous Access to Skilled Jobs in the Canadian Forest Industry: The Role of Education

In this article, the effect of education on the skill level of jobs held by Indigenous people working in the Canadian forest industry is examined. A skill index based on detailed occupation is used as the dependent variable in ordered logit models estimated using data from Statistics Canada’s 2011 National Household Survey (NHS). Results are obtained by gender. In the case of men, for Métis (a specific mixed European and Indigenous culture) and for First Nations living off reserve estimates of the effect of education are similar to those for non-Indigenous people. The estimated effect is lower for those Indigenous people living on reserve, particularly for those whose employment is also on the reserve. Results for women are similar, though often not statistically significant due to the limited sample size. High school graduation appears insufficient to provide access to better jobs, whereas post-secondary education, including trade certificates and community college, is very effective. The article concludes with a suggestion that, while closing the lag in Indigenous rates of high school education is critical, this must provide a gateway to further education. A discussion provides more policy context.

Forest fibre network design with multiple assortments: a case study in Newfoundland

The Canadian forest industry is facing several challenges including high fibre cost, decline in commodity profitability, and low investment levels at relatively old manufacturing plants. To enable ...

Relative efficiency of hardware retail stores chains in Canada

The Canadian hardware and renovation products' retail market is dominated by four chains of retail stores, one of whom is private. We use data envelopment analysis to evaluate and study the relative efficiency of the three public chains during the decade 2000 to 2010. Our findings show the firms have been impacted in diverse ways by the latest crisis in North America: the 2005 to 2006 collapse of the USA housing bubble, the 2007 crisis in the Canadian forest industry, and the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis. In addition, the findings illustrate some of the dynamics within the hardware retail sector and throw light upon the sector in the recent years.

Potential of Poplar Bark Phytochemicals as Value-Added Co-products from the Wood and Cellulosic Bioethanol Industry

Development of high-valued products through an integrated biorefinery approach is essential for the revival of the Canadian forest industry. Utilization of tree bark is one such example with considerable potential. The bark of trees contains a reservoir of phytochemicals that could be harnessed as value-added co-products. The objective of this study was to identify, characterize, and seek commercial potential of phytochemicals present in poplar bark. Industrially harvested poplar bark (Populus tremuloides) was procured from Quebec. Water-soaked poplar bark was subjected to three steam-explosion treatments (treatments 1 to 3) using a steam-explosion reactor. During the experiment, extracts such as air purge, pre-steam purge, cooked purge, and pressed liquid were collected and subjected to compositional analysis. The results showed that the leftover bark residue even after the treatments was still fit for regular combustion for generating heat. Among the several identified phytochemicals (>100), furfural, 5-HMF, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, and catechol can be obtained as bulk chemicals, and sakuranin present at 15.9 % (extracted with acetone) as a high-valued and fine chemical. Considering the increasing demand for plant-based ingredients, there exists enormous potential to utilize these phytochemicals in agro-pharmaceutical industries. Further end-use studies, however, are required to ascertain the true economic potential of poplar bark phytochemicals.

Growth and basic wood properties of black spruce along an alti-latitudinal gradient in Quebec, Canada

• Context The Canadian forest industry is turning its attention towards the unmanaged areas at higher latitudes, where the forest resource is still poorly understood because of lack of accessibility. Despite a lower productivity in terms of volume, northern stands are expected to produce wood of higher quality, which may make these areas attractive for management and production.

Non-wood Forest Products Based on Extractives- A New Opportunity for Canadian Forest Industry Part 2- Softwood Forest Species

<p>Forest resources are among the most important of Canada (in the case of Quebec, nearly 90% of the territory). Innovation represents an essential challenge for the Canadian forest industry, which is presently undergoing major changes towards finding new solutions for recovery. The processing of forest biomass has become increasingly relevant along with the popular concept of biorefineries. This concept should include the development of novel technologies based on forest extractives. Bioactive molecules are readily available through eco-friendly extraction processes using various types of forest residues including barks which are generated in significant quantities by the industry. This literature review offers a glimpse into the softwood boreal forest with a particular focus on industrial species. We are adopting an ethno-pharmacological approach prior to presenting existing data on bioactive molecules from various sources, along with results from our own laboratory. In conclusion, this paper clearly demonstrates the need for further research on bioactive molecules from Canadian forest species since there remains an important lack of reliable data.</p>

Current inventory and modelling of sawmill residues in Eastern Canada

Integration within the forest industry in Canada historically developed to optimize use of the available timber resource. Sawmill residues, which were at one time considered waste, changed into a sought-after resource for panel and pulp manufactures. With the downturn in the Canadian forest industry and the 46.5% decrease in nationwide sawn lumber production between 2004 and 2009, the potential for utilizing sawmill residues to develop novel markets presents itself with added encouragement from national and global pressures towards creating a sustainable bio-based economy. Scarcity of information related to quantity and quality of local sawmill residue feedstocks leads to a lack of reliable data that can be used by entrepreneurs to develop sustainable supply chains for this resource. The development of an easily updateable sawmill database for all provinces, Manitoba eastwards, is explained in detail along with the comprehensive presentation of a sawmill residue output calculation model for sawdust, bark, chips/slabs, and shavings. These tools will help to predict current and future sawmill residue availability and aid in the most efficient uses of this resource in the bioeconomy.

Assisted migration: uncertainty, risk and opportunity

The recent Forestry Chronicle special section on the subject of Assisted Migration (AM) did a great service to the Canadian forestry community by summarizing the risks, opportunities and ecological aspects of this forest management strategy. In this paper, we expand on some aspects of AM that were discussed in the special section, as well as discussing additional dimensions of AM that should be considered and debated. We expand on the theme of scientific uncertainties around future warming, emphasizing the full extent of uncertainty in estimates of climate sensitivity. We also expand upon and summarize a number of recent ecophysiological results that have implications for the adaptation and acclimation of trees to climate change. We also discuss opportunities for innovative forest management, the influence of economic trends on the future of the Canadian forest industry, and limitations on public knowledge of climate change, all of which are factors that will influence the feasibility of AM schemes in the future.

Non-wood Forest Products Based on Extractives - A New Opportunity for the Canadian Forest Industry Part 1: Hardwood Forest Species

Forest resources are among the most important of Canada (in the case of Québec, nearly 90% of the territory). Innovation represents an essential challenge for the Canadian forest industry, which is presently undergoing major changes towards finding new solutions for recovery. The processing of forest biomass has become increasingly relevant along with the popular concept of biorefineries. This concept should include the development of novel technologies based on forest extractives. Bioactive molecules are readily available through eco-friendly extraction processes using various types of forest residues including barks which are generated in significant quantities by the industry. This literature review offers a glimpse into the hardwood boreal forest with a particular focus on industrial species. We are adopting an ethno-pharmacological approach prior to presenting existing data on bioactive molecules from various sources, along with results from our own laboratory. In conclusion, this paper clearly demonstrates the need for further research on bioactive molecules from Canadian forest species since there remains an important lack of reliable data.

Bilateral foreign direct investment in forest industry between the U.S. and Canada

In this study we examine the trends and various factors influencing bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI) in the U.S. and Canadian forest industry between 1989 and 2008. Using panel data analysis methods, we find that bilateral FDI is positively influenced by depreciation of host country's real exchange rates and exchange rate volatility, and home country's forest product imports and exports and round wood production, and negatively by home country's GDP, current outward FDI position in the rest of the world, and current domestic capital expenditure has no effect on the FDI in the forest industry. These results imply that both imports and exports are complementary to outward FDI and that bilateral FDI is a substitute of FDI to the rest of the word.

Canadian Forest Industry and Japan-Canada Timber Trade Relations

Canadian Forest Industry and Japan-Canada Timber Trade Relations

Negotiation-based distributed wood procurement planning within a multi-firm environment

Abstract The complex task of wood procurement planning includes a multitude of factors that must be taken into consideration. Shared procurement areas and co-production further complicate the task, elements which typify the eastern Canadian forest industry. A procurement forester must routinely coordinate and synchronize forest operations with those of other companies over several procurement areas. In a multi-firm context, collaboration cannot be taken for granted and decision-making power cannot be centralized. First, this paper presents a formalization of firms' procurement interdependence in a context of shared procurement areas and co-production. A planning and coordination approach is then presented for the context under study. Four different planning and coordination modes are tested, including a central planning mode used as a benchmark (i.e., upper bound). Statistics on profitability and timber license fulfillment are gathered. Pair wise comparisons among the different modes are performed and profitability gains from greater coordination within and among firms are quantified. The proposed collaborative planning and coordination mode results in local and global profitability increases, especially in difficult economic setting, when compared to the planning and inter-firm coordination approach currently in use.

Are forest sector firms maximizing the economic returns from their timber? Evidence from British Columbia

Understanding the components of the forest value chain and linkages is essential in designing a system that will maximize the economic value of Canadian fibre. A key part of the system is how firms incorporate the fibre quality and attributes of their timber supply into the decision over what kinds of products to manufacture. The linkage between timber supply and how firms decide to utilize fibre is critically important, especially in Canada, where government policy plays a key role in governing access to fibre. We explore this question by looking at whether firms try to maximize the economic return from their fibre, or instead focus on other objectives such as maximizing the production volume they can generate from their timber supply. We surveyed sawmills and woodland managers in British Columbia in the Fall of 2006 and focused on a particular characteristic—the extent to which sawmills and operations are responding to value-based signals rather than to other kinds of signals. We found that the majority of BC forest sector firms we interviewed are emphasizing volume-based measures on a daily basis, whether they are in sawmill or woodlands operations, and while economic measures become more important as the period lengthens, it is unclear as to how firms reconcile these 2 different types of measures. Key words: organizational behaviour, firm operations, Canadian forest industry, value chain optimization

Wood and non-wood pulp production: Comparative ecological footprinting on the Canadian prairies

Pulp production accounts for a major part of the Canadian forest industry. Because of the ecological damage caused by the industry, there has been growing interest in the use of agricultural residues as an alternative or supplementary fibre source for pulp making. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of crop residues has the potential to reduce the environmental ‘load’ associated with pulp production. We answer this question by estimating and comparing the ecological footprints of the currently dominant practice of using spruce and aspen harvested from the boreal forest, with the practice of using plant fibre from the residue of wheat and flax crops commonly grown in the Canadian prairie provinces. The analysis accounts for all major land and energy inputs associated with the two production processes. The study results indicate that the ecological load of pulp production varies among resources and provinces. However, overall, the total eco-footprint of pulped wheat straw is the smallest.

An examination of value-added and variable cost trends across Canadian forest regions and sectors

Value-added forestry has received much attention in the past few decades as a means of generating more output value for a given timber input. The growth in value-added production in the forest industry is directly affected by changing forest output/input prices, technology, investment strategies, government policies, and a host of other factors. Since many of these factors are unique to each forest region and sector in Canada, it is expected that one would observe a number of different value-added and variable cost trends over time. The purpose of this paper is to examine value-added and variable cost trends in five regions and three sectors of the Canadian forest industry over the 1970–95 period in order to shed light on those that are the most promising. A seemingly unrelated regressions technique is employed to the data set and findings reveal that a number of sectors and regions have exhibited favourable value-added/variable cost trends. Others, however, have not. Suggestions are made as to where future industry investments and government policies might be directed to aid in the development of value-added. Key words: Canadian forest industry, value-added, variable cost, profit, regional analysis, seemingly unrelated regressions

Measuring scale, technology and price effects on value-added production across Canadian forest industry sectors

Industry analysts have indicated that there is a trend toward more value-added production in the Canadian forest industry. This suggests that the value of output has increased relative to the primary resource costs of production, leaving increased returns available for other production costs. In this paper, investigation is made into the manner in which operational scale, network scale, prices and technology affect value-added production in five sectors of the Canadian forest industry. Findings reveal that, on average, the first three factors tend to increase value-added production in many sectors while the last factor tends to have the opposite effect. These results are used to indicate the manner in which value-added policies can be focused, at a sector-specific level, to realize the full value-added potential that the Canadian forest industry has to offer.

The Canadian forest products industry's emerging industrial model for sustainability

Over the last decade, the Canadian forest industry has evolved towards a new industrial model that acknowledges the interconnectivity of environment, economy and society. The emerging model rests on two pillars, "Embracing Sustainability" and "New Partnerships with People and Communities" that support a pro-active, scientifically driven approach to sustainable management and a flexible, collaborative attitude to stakeholder relations. It is based on increasingly sophisticated strategies that recognize the global and local influences on resource management, community requirements and consumer behaviour. Gradual, voluntary adoption of this model is improving environmental stewardship, strengthening industry's commitment to the social needs of partner communities, protecting economic investment and future profitability, and improving stakeholder relations in resource management. The factors influencing this evolving industrial model are both global and uniquely Canadian. By voluntarily investing in co-operative research and policy development, by advocating and adopting international standards and certification, and by adopting a corporate social responsibility framework, the Canadian forest products industry is pushing itself and other stakeholders to build a future based on environmental, social and economic sustainability. Key words: Canadian forest industry, Forest Products Association of Canada, industrial model, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, communities, accountability, partnerships, environment, forestry, forest science, forest research.

The Canadian Forest Service: Agent of change in an evolving forest environment

The Canadian Forest Service (CFS) has set new goals and priorities in its Strategic Plan 2003–2008, re-examining the knowledge it creates and the ways in which that knowledge is created. This is in line with the Government of Canada's pursuit of a global strategy for Canadian science and technology, supporting more collaborative international research at the frontiers of knowledge. Also, with the Canadian forest industry facing new and non-traditional competitors and repositioning its product mix, CFS is encountering increased expectations from its external partners, clients and stakeholders—as the primary forest research agency in the country and the main federal body ensuring the competitiveness of the industry. CFS is, therefore, re-defining its role as the leading player in the Canadian forest sector by re-evaluating how it does business. CFS will spearhead the development and implementation of a new national forest S&T agenda, becoming Canada's premier source of authoritative, value-added forest information. It will also champion Canadian forest interests and expertise internationally while strengthening national consensus on Canadian forest policies and programs and advocating Canada's forest agenda within the federal government. To this end, CFS will attract and support talented personnel by creating a workplace conducive to creativity. Key words: Strategic Plan, global S&T strategy, non-traditional competitors, product mix, value-added forest information

Le service canadien des forêts: Agent de changement dans un environnement forestier en évolution

The Canadian Forest Service (CFS) has set new goals and priorities in its Strategic Plan 2003–2008, re-examining the knowledge it creates and the ways in which that knowledge is created. This is in line with the Government of Canada's pursuit of a global strategy for Canadian science and technology, supporting more collaborative international research at the frontiers of knowledge. Also, with the Canadian forest industry facing new and non-traditional competitors and repositioning its product mix, CFS is encountering increased expectations from its external partners, clients and stakeholders—as the primary forest research agency in the country and the main federal body ensuring the competitiveness of the industry. CFS is, therefore, re-defining its role as the leading player in the Canadian forest sector by re-evaluating how it does business. CFS will spearhead the development and implementation of a new national forest S&T agenda, becoming Canada's premier source of authoritative, value-added forest information. It will also champion Canadian forest interests and expertise internationally while strengthening national consensus on Canadian forest policies and programs and advocating Canada's forest agenda within the federal government. To this end, CFS will attract and support talented personnel by creating a workplace conducive to creativity. Key words: Strategic Plan, global S&T strategy, non-traditional competitors, product mix, value-added forest information