$8.4 m pilot plant for stronger structural materials

Tembec, an integrated forest products company with operations in Canada and France, has announced plans to build a C$8.4-million pilot plant to develop stronger and more durable structural material made from pulp and modified phenolic resin. The federal and Quebec governments are each contributing C$3.45 million. The product, called Next-generation Sustainable Fibre, is based on a patented process that will use FSC certified pulp and FSC certified lignosulfonates within a modified phenolic resin. Tembec said the new initiative recognizes the growing demand for environmentally friendly, lightweight structural composite products.

Randy Fournier, senior vice-president of chemical products and kraft pulp, said the initial product will be railway ties designed for environmentally sensitive areas. Other possible applications could include automotive components, land and marine transportation infrastructure, electrical energy generation and transmission infrastructure.