Displaying items by tag: FPInnovations

fpinn logo edgeFPInnovations and Natural Resources Canada's CanmetENERGY have signed a memorandum of understanding which will formalize the collaborative efforts of the research teams from both organizations after years of informal cooperation.

Speaking at PaperWeek Canada in Montreal, Pierre Lapointe, CEO of FPInnovations, said the agreement will facilitate the delivery of innovative solutions in areas such as energy co-generation, biorefining, and transformation of forest biomass to bio-energy and high value bioproducts.

Researchers from both organizations will work together to exchange scientific and technical information and collaborate on joint projects.

“This agreement formalizes the long-standing relationship between FPInnovations and Natural Resources Canada and provides a strong framework for future cooperation,” said Lapointe. “Such agreements are the cornerstone that will enable Canada’s forest sector to maximize the potential of the bio-economy and in doing so, help meet the targets outlined in the Forest Products Association of Canada’s Vision 2020, an ambitious plan that challenges us all to find innovative ways to further transform the sector.”

Natural Resources Canada's CanmetENERGY is is Canada's knowledge centre for scientific expertise on clean energy technologies. It encompasses more than 450 scientists, engineers and technicians, and more than 100 years of experience.

FPInnovations is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in the creation of scientific solutions in support of the Canadian forest sector.

Published in Energy News
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The nanocellulose joint venture of Domtar and FPInnovations will be named CelluForce, the partners announced in early June. Construction of the NCC production facility is underway at Domtar's Windsor, Que., pulp and paper mill, and will be completed in the fourth quarter of this year. The companies expect to be producing NCC in January 2012.

 

The joint venture, launched last year, will be led by Jean Moreau, a former vice-president finance with Domtar. CelluForce already has about 30 employees, and a headquarters in Montreal.

 

"The name CelluForce reminds us that one of the main characteristics of the nanocrystalline cellulose is the great strength it provides to the materials to which it is added, but the name also represents the strength of our relationships with our shareholders, our partners and out customers, which is one of the company's core values," explains Moreau.

 

He notes that the new venture differs from traditional pulp and paper products because the end product will be marketed as a chemical. "The input is pulp, the output is NCC, which is a specialty chemical ingredient."

 

source: pulpandpaper canda

Published in Featured Products
Monday, 19 July 2010 10:00

Domtar and FPInnovations join forces.

Domtar Corporation and FPInnovations announced that they have formed a new joint venture company to build the world's first one metric ton per day commercial-scale nanocrystalline cellulose demonstration plant at the Domtar Windsor, Quebec pulp and paper mill site. Construction will begin in the coming weeks and will take approximately 20 months to be completed.

"As the leader in our industry, we are very excited to explore new frontiers by bringing together our operational expertise and the technical knowledge of FPInnovations for the efficient manufacture of this innovative and renewable product," said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Domtar Corporation. "The remarkable properties of nanocrystalline cellulose and wide range of potential applications speak volumes about the commercial potential of new fiber-based products that go beyond traditional pulp and paper applications."

"This is an important milestone cumulating over 15 years of R&D investments towards the future development of fiber-based products for the industrial world. During this time FPInnovations developed an extensive intellectual property portfolio around the manufacturing and application of nanocrystalline cellulose," said Pierre Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of FPInnovations. "I am confident that this partnership and the strong support of both governments will lead to exciting and successful new commercial applications."

Nanocrystalline cellulose is a renewable, recyclable and abundant nanomaterial made of cellulose fibers from the wood pulp manufacturing process. Potential applications include optically-reflective films, high-durability varnishes, and innovative bioplastics. The properties of this material will provide new opportunities in a wide range of applications for a variety of sectors and markets such as the aerospace, automotive, chemical, textile and forestry industries. There are promising applications for the aerospace industry that will complement Quebec's innovative aerospace "green" aircraft program.

The cost of construction of the demonstration plant is approximately CDN$32.4 million and operating costs are estimated at CDN$8.4 million, for a total investment of CDN$40.8 million. CDN$12 million of Domtar's total contribution has been submitted for funding approval under the Government of Canada's Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program. Natural Resources Canada and Quebec's Natural Resources and Wildlife Ministry are contributing CDN$10.2 million each to FPInnovations' portion of the funding of this project. All funding is still subject to approval.

During the construction phase, the project will provide approximately 50 jobs as well as engineering services from the Quebec and the Canadian engineering firms, Teknika and Noram, respectively. Approximately 10 permanent positions will be needed to operate the demonstration plant. In addition, numerous researchers and scientific personnel have been and will continue working to deliver on the potential new nanocrystalline cellulose applications and products.

Following the construction phase, under the joint venture agreement, Domtar and FPInnovations will explore the commercial viability of the production of nanocrystalline cellulose on a larger commercial scale.

Published in Press Releases
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