BC’s Forest Bioeconomy: Driving Innovation & Sustainability
While efforts to decarbonize the forestry sector have gained momentum, significant challenges remain. The BC Net Zero Innovation Network (BCNZIN) Forest Bioeconomy Cluster focuses on fostering sustainable innovation to address these hurdles and unlock the potential of BC’s circular bioeconomy.
The province is home to 55 million hectares of forests, offering immense ecological, economic, and social value. While much work has begun to decarbonize the sector, significant challenges are still ahead.
How We’re Decarbonizing BC’s Forestry Sector:
- Collaborating with Indigenous Peoples to create inclusive opportunities
- Commercializing value-added products that drive economic growth
- Transforming mill assets and sites for sustainable operations
- Innovating forest and wildfire management practices to enhance resilience
- Developing new approaches to accessing economic fibre
- Identifying emerging end-user markets for forestry products
- Optimizing supply chains for efficiency and sustainability
- Supporting forestry-dependent communities to build resilience
Why it Matters
The forestry sector is a cornerstone of BC’s economy, contributing significantly to provincial GDP but also accounting for 5% of BC’s GHG emissions. Challenges such as limited access to economically viable fibre, evolving regulations, and capital investment needs must be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability.
The global circular bioeconomy, projected to reach $7.7T USD by 2030, presents an unprecedented opportunity for BC to lead in sustainable forestry. Through innovation and collaboration, BCNZIN aims to drive a 20% increase in revenues generated through wildfire resiliency, value-added manufacturing, and net zero operations. By addressing these challenges, BC can reduce GHG emissions, stimulate economic growth, and build resilient communities.
The BCNZIN forest bioeconomy team has helped the forest sector work more effectively together on several strategy and implementation activities. They are passionate and proactive. Their ideas and super project management skills, including bringing partners and funding to the table, have contributed to the sector making the future happen.
Joe Nemeth BC Pulp and Paper Coalition
What We Offer
Capital Attraction & Matchmaking
Connecting forestry initiatives with funding opportunities.
Innovation Challenges & Scouting
Identifying and piloting cutting-edge solutions.
Business Feasibility Studies
Evaluating opportunities for commercial success.
Project Management
Facilitating impactful initiatives from concept to execution.
Market & Industry Research
Providing data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
Events & Consultations
Creating opportunities to learn, connect, and collaborate.
Join a Working Group
Our Working Group Membership includes access to industry-led focus areas, affordable industry research, project development services, a network of participating organizations, and proportionate cost-sharing of initiatives among working group members.
If a working group isn’t the right fit for you, stay connected by subscribing to the BCNZIN newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events, networking opportunities, and advancements in BC’s cleantech ecosystem.
Be part of the movement driving sustainability and innovation in British Columbia. Take the next step and help shape a net zero future.
British Columbia Ecosystem Map
Your Essential Guide Forest Bioeconomy in Canada
Canada’s Ventures to Value Chains: Forest Bioeconomy Technology is part of a Foresight initiative that leverages data from technology companies and other key stakeholders to map, categorize, and analyze strategically important industry value chains for Canada in the clean economy.
Want to learn more? Download the detailed value chain report.
BCNZIN News
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![BC Cleantech Awards Now Accepting Nominations]()
January 13, 2025 Article BC Cleantech Awards Now Accepting Nominations Since 2020, Foresight has celebrated excellence in BC’s cleantech ecosystem through these awards, showcasing companies and organizations that are driving both economic growth and impactful innovation. We are excited to continue this initiative with the 2025 BC Cleantech Awards. View Article -
![Lignin Forest Bioeconomy - Case Study]()
December 17, 2024 Report Lignin Forest Bioeconomy - Case Study Explore opportunities for sustainable innovation, economic growth, and emissions reduction in BC’s forest bioeconomy through the BCNZIN Lignin Project. View Report -
![Honouring Indigenous Leadership on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation]()
September 30, 2024 Article Honouring Indigenous Leadership on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation As we work towards net zero for generations to come, it's crucial that we recognize the invaluable generational knowledge of Indigenous communities, and together build meaningful partnerships that safeguard our shared environment for future generations. View Article
Our Partners
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from Pacific Economic Development Canada, as well as support from the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
