Recycling Aspen Bark in a Circular Economy Context

La Scierie Serdam Inc. and La Scierie Saint-Fabien Inc. generate large volumes of aspen bark (PET), which they sell to nearby wood processing plants for their heating needs. However, from a chemical point of view, PET bark contains compounds with high added value. Because of its high salicylate content, the standardized extract is marketed as a skin conditioner and as a preservative for cosmetic products. From a regulatory point of view, this extract is already included on the list of cosmetic ingredients associated with the European regulation (COSING) and on the list of ingredients that have been used in products manufactured and sold in China (IECIC), the largest market for cosmetic products.

A PET extract enriched with salicylates (standardized to 45-55%) is currently on the market under the name PhytoCide® as a preservative for cosmetic products. The process for obtaining this extract is well protected by know-how secrecy. The project by the two sawmills and SEREX aims to support the recovery of PET bark using UAE technology. More specifically, PET bark will be recovered in a cascade: 1) by producing an extract enriched with salicylates, which could be used as a preservative for cosmetic products; 2) by producing a new culture substrate comprizing the residual bark after extraction.

The project will enable the two sawmills to become more diversified and develop a circular and sustainable bioeconomy in the Lower St. Lawrence region.