Resolute FP fully embraces the bioeconomy

Resolute Forest Products announced on June 23 of the launch of a new research and development joint venture with Germany’s Mercer International, the world’s largest maker of NBSK market pulp.

This new entity, Performance BioFilaments, is designed to develop commercial applications for cellulose filaments, a biomaterial made from wood fibre that can add strength and durability to many commercial and consumer products.

It can be used in aviation, marine, aerospace, electronics, manufacturing, and construction applications for things like cement, composites and coatings.

Resolute operates Northern Ontario mills in Thunder Bay and Fort Frances.

Mercer is considered a leading forest products company with mills in both Germany and Canada.

"Resolute will provide funding and expertise to Performance BioFilaments, supporting the venture's research and development capabilities that aim to bring sustainable products to a broad spectrum of industries,” said Richard Garneau, Resolute’s president-CEO.

"The strength of cellulose filaments can be compared to that of synthetic reinforcement fibers made from non-renewable petroleum inputs," said Gurminder Minhas, managing director of Performance BioFilaments. "The difference is that cellulose filaments are entirely renewable, with a very low carbon footprint.”