02/13/2026
This week, OFIA's Maryam Arefmanesh joined the PaperWeek Biofor panel on Setting Canada’s Bioeconomy Strategies. With sustainable harvests underused, there’s a real chance to modernize pulp and sawmills into high-value biorefineries—producing renewable energy, fuels, bioproducts, and engineered wood products that act as long-lived carbon sinks, create jobs, and stronger communities.
We explored how healthy pulp, paper, and forest sectors anchor innovation, drawing on Nordic examples like UPM. Success depends on secure feedstock, financeable offtake, tech-site fit, modern infrastructure, attractive career paths, and strong community and Indigenous partnerships.
By leveraging these proven models, Ontario’s forest industry can stay competitive, resilient, and ready for domestic and global growth.