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Federal government invests $3.5M in UBC’s BioProducts Institute

The government of Canada today announced more than $3.5 million in funding for the University of British Columbia (UBC)’s BioProducts Institute.

The money is meant to help support the development, scale-up and production of sustainable bioproducts, including filters, adhesives, lightweight materials and personal protective equipment, by helping to de-risk technologies and support the commercialization of the bioproducts.

UBC’s BioProducts Institute will be working to help pulp mills in B.C. become bioproduct or biorefinery mills that produce sustainable materials to be used in the medical field, personal care, filtration, crop protection and other industries.

“Scaling up development of high-value, bio-based materials from cellulose and lignin will generate economic and social benefits for B.C. and increase the long-term competitiveness of its forest sector,” says Professor Orlando Rojas, Canada Excellence research chair in forest bioproducts and scientific director, UBC BioProducts Institute, in a statement.

“UBC’s BioProducts Institute, together with the BioAlliance and industry partners, is working on catalyzing the diversification of the forest industry into sustainable markets. We are grateful to Pacific Economic Development Canada for this new funding, which supports our efforts to help grow B.C.’s bio-economy, in alignment with the province’s goals to accelerate technological and economic growth and improve environmental sustainability.”