Annual Report
2021-2022

Fiscal year 2021-22 started in the same way the previous year ended, with a focus on the impact of COVID-related measures. Fortunately, as the year progressed and public health restrictions eased, we successfully redefined steady-state operations and established an equilibrium between the benefits of working remotely and those of “boots on the ground”, while continuing to provide an exceptional level of research and technical services to the sector.

Through a collaborative research approach, we are committed to ensuring the forest sector actively contributes to Canada’s climate change goals, while providing significant economic benefits to rural and urban communities. To achieve those goals, we now screen all FPInnovations’ projects for decarbonization potential, and research solutions to help the sector further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We have also accelerated efforts in digitalization to quickly bring knowledge benefits to industry, performed techno-economic analysis of bioproducts to ensure sharper decision making, and researched innovative approaches to reducing not just the sector’s carbon footprint but that of the country.

Implementation and commercialization of technology are the ultimate reward of any technology development effort. This year saw the launch of multiple initiatives that are structured to fast-track the most promising technologies for the sector. After review by the Scientific Technical Advisory Committees, the Board of Directors, Natural Resources Canada, and multiple funding partners, three projects, Lignin in Asphalt, Biodegradable Masks, and Hybrid Tractor Trailers, are moving forward as initiatives in collaboration with supply chain partners. While each project is at a different phase of development, each has a strong focus on identifying and overcoming technical barriers to commercialization, and we, as well as our stakeholders, are confident they will produce the expected results.

We are pleased to see the recent changes to our membership model have such a positive impact. This year, we were very excited to welcome three new companies as FPInnovations’ members, Paper Excellence, Forex, and Coopérative forestière Ferland-Boileau—in addition, existing Members added six facilities to their membership. We are looking forward to providing each of them with the expert research and technical assistance that all our members have come to expect. For a list of all of our Members as of March 31, 2022, click here.

A solid financial foundation is key to the future of any business, not-for-profit or otherwise. We are confident in our Strategic Financial plan, and, through its ongoing implementation, have increased the robustness of our unique business model by maintaining lean operations, right-sizing facilities, and continuously improving our execution with a flexible workforce and collaborative partners.

It is important to recognize that our collaborative research program would not be as effective and sector-focused without the contribution of the Scientific Technical and Advisory Committees (STACs). Our many thanks go out to the Members and significant stakeholders who provide their time and invaluable advice on strategic research directions.