Investments in R&D Delivering on the Promise of a Stronger and Transformed Sector
MONTREAL, March 21, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The 2013-14 federal budget today reinforces the nation's forestry innovation opportunity says FPInnovations, Canada's forest sector R&D and innovation institute. This government's continued support of forestry innovation and market development programs is recognition that the forest sector remains a key growth area for the Canadian economy.
"The 2013-14 budget recognizes that forestry R&D remains a vital engine of growth for the future", stated Pierre Lapointe, President and CEO of FPInnovations. "Canada can point to innovations such as award-winning cellulose nanocrystal research, multi-storey wooden buildings, and cellulose filaments as clear examples of recent developments. Today's federal budget, earmarking $92 million over two years starting in 2014-15 for the forest sector, ensures that we continue to build on these world leading successes."
In particular, Cellulose filaments, a wood fibre-based material whose innovative extraction process was recently discovered by FPInnovations, will revolutionize the production of paper products and will be used as a re-enforcing agent in many applications from hygiene products to bio-composites and bio-plastics. In addition, early testing has indicated that cellulose filaments, when used in tissue making, may allow Canadian paper makers to manufacture superior products at competitive prices using current facilities.
Once seen as a sunset industry, the forest sector, with support from the Federal Government, has become a leader in transforming the Canadian economy by rejuvenating a traditional resource-based industry using the innovative know-how of FPInnovations. Coupled with the ambitious economic, environmental and labour targets of Vision 2020, as developed by the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), this budget will enable the sector to further thrive while supporting thousands of jobs in communities across the country.
About FPInnovations
FPInnovations is a not-for-profit world leader that specializes in the creation of scientific solutions in support of the Canadian forest sector's global competitiveness and responds to the priority needs of its industry members and government partners. It is ideally positioned to perform research, innovate, and deliver state-of-the-art solutions for every area of the sector's value chain, from forest operations to consumer and industrial products. FPInnovations' staff numbers more than 525. Its R&D laboratories are located in Québec City, Ottawa, Montréal, Thunder Bay, Hinton and Vancouver, and it has technology transfer offices across Canada. For more information about FPInnovations, visit: www.fpinnovations.ca.
SOURCE: FPINNOVATIONS
Terry Knee
FPInnovations
Communications Director
514 630-4115
[email protected]
Jean-Pierre Martel
FPInnovations
Strategic Partnerships Vice President
613 698-5799
[email protected]
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