Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, this week announced an investment of $2 million to support Domtar Inc. in developing and commercializing new premium grades of pulp at its facility in Dryden, Ont., Canada. 

As a result of this investment, Domtar will launch this first-of-its-kind, commercial-scale manufacturing facility for these new grades of northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp. This pulp can be used to produce writing and specialty grade papers, tissues and paper towels, as well as in non-traditional, growing, and value-added markets such as fiber-reinforced materials, including cement and fiberglass. The use of modified fibers will also lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reducing the amount of fiber required to manufacture the products utilizing these new grades.

 

Support for this project comes from Natural Resources Canada's investments in the Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program. The IFIT program is designed to support the transformation of Canada's forest sector in becoming more economically competitive and environmentally sustainable. IFIT encourages a broader adoption of new technologies across the industry and supports forest industry innovation by opening the door to a more diversified portfolio of products and markets.

Quick Facts:

• In 2013, the forest industry contributed $19.8 billion to Canada's GDP, and was one of Canada's largest employers, providing over 200,000 direct jobs across the country. 
• With 43 percent of the world's certified forests — 161 million hectares — Canada leads the world in forestland independently certified as sustainably managed. 
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested $1.8 billion in the transformation of the forest industry. 
• Economic Action Plan 2015 announced $86 million to continue to support the transformation of the forest sector by extending the Forest Innovation Program, which helps develop and advance new technologies, and the Expanding Market Opportunities Program, which helps develop new markets for Canadian wood products.

"Today's announcement continues our government's effort to boost the economic competiveness of Canada's forest sector while helping to create jobs and prosperity for Northern Ontarians and all Canadians. This investment will help ensure the competitiveness of the mill into the future, supporting high-quality jobs and growth here in Dryden. Our government is proud to support projects that contribute to Canada's leadership in forest innovation and environmental responsibility," said Minister Rickford.