Canfor will be moving forward with an investment to support a biofuel plant in Prince George.
Canfor has decided it will support the construction of the first phase of Arbios Biotech’s biomass to low carbon biofuel plant in the northern capital.
The plant will use first-of-a-kind technology to convert sawmill residues, primarily bark, into high-value renewable biocrude which can be further processed in refineries to produce low-carbon transportation fuels.
Arbios is a joint venture between Canfor and Licella Holdings Ltd.
“Today, we begin an ambitious sustainability journey that will change how we work and the impact we have on our communities and the planet. We imagine a future as sustainable as our forests,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor.
“This is an opportunity as much as it is our responsibility. Sustainable solutions are in demand around the world. Customers consider environmental and social impact a priority when making their buying decisions. Employees want to work for a company that’s protecting and nurturing their environment and communities. Together we will frame the future.”
Canfor says its sustainability goals mark a new era for the company.
“As part of our sustainability journey, Canfor is committed to growing our business to include bio-materials and bio-innovation to support a low carbon future. Our decision, as part of the Arbios joint venture, to support investment in a state-of-the-art biomass to low carbon biofuel plant in British Columbia is a demonstration of our commitment. We are also building a Bio-Innovation team that will unlock the full value of each log by developing and commercializing new opportunities,” added Kayne.
The Arbios plant will be located in a small corner of Canfor’s Intercontinental Pulp Mill site which is an existing industrial site. However, the Arbios facility would operate independently from the pulp mill.
Arbios has already introduced the project to Lheidli T’enneh First Nation’s administration and representatives.
Arbios, Lheidli T’enneh's natural resources team and LTN environmental consulting are working together at the early stage of the project to look at environmental aspects and to ensure the Nation’s values are respected and protected.
Lheidli T’enneh’s administration is working with Arbios to see how the values of the project aligns with it is own and how the Nation would like to participate.
Canfor said it is committed to mutually beneficial partnerships that advance social economic and environmental priorities for Indigenous peoples and wants to achieve 100 per cent of operating area covered by agreements with willing Indigenous Nations by 2030.
“Over the coming years we will further define our sustainability goals and targets and implement a comprehensive roadmap in our journey to become a sustainability leader,” added Kayne.
