Quebec facility to produce new, high-value additive from forest fibre
June 17, 2014 Trois-Rivières, Quebec Natural Resources Canada
The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today offered his congratulations to Kruger Biomaterials Inc. on the official launch of the world’s first cellulose filaments production facility. This project is the result of a strategic pan-Canadian approach to forest sector innovation, as well as research and development partnerships among multiple government departments, the not-for-profit sector and industry.
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, previously announced Natural Resources Canada’s funding of $15 million for the Kruger plant under the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program.
The completed plant will produce cellulose filaments, a chemical-free, renewable and recyclable material that can be added to traditional pulp and paper products as a lightweight strengthening agent. In addition, a non-traditional market is expected for the use of cellulose filaments in bioplastics, adhesives, paints and coatings. A Canadian innovation, the commercialization of cellulose filaments gives Canada an international competitive advantage as the first country to manufacture the revolutionary material. It is estimated that the use of cellulose filaments represents a potential market of approximately $500 million in revenue per year for Canada’s forest industry.
Alexandra Lemieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources and
Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
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