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Trois-Rivières, May 25, 2023 – The promising potential of the biosourced economy in the Mauricie region has been highlighted by a recent study, which is the outcome of a joint initiative by Innofibre, a technology transfer centre of the Cégep de Trois-Rivières, and the Consortium de recherche et innovations en bioprocédés industriels au Québec (CRIBIQ). This study provides an in-depth understanding of local bioresources and opens the way to new perspectives on the multiple economic development opportunities they represent for the region.
This study was first an opportunity to identify local bioresources in order to qualify their economic potential and to highlight the possibilities for the recovery of residual materials for the development of biosourced materials or products. A more detailed account of the findings was presented during a conference by Innofibre's director Jean-Philippe Jacques, at the international BIOKET North America event held in Trois-Rivières from May 23 to 25, 2023.
The region's innovation and training ecosystem also emerged as a strength. Its higher education institutions as well as its university and college research centres train workers that are specialized in bioprocesses/biosourced products, and support businesses during their technological development.
"Once known as the pulp and paper capital of the province, the Mauricie region is now positioned to become the driving force of the bioeconomy in Quebec. The region has all the necessary assets to adapt to this new paradigm. The related economic activities are aligned with government priorities in terms of the circular economy and greenhouse gas reduction, and contribute to the energy transition." – Jean-Philippe Jacques, director of Innofibre
"The Mauricie region recognizes the vital importance of close collaboration between local industries, research centres and economic development organizations, who, by combining their knowledge, expertise and shared commitment to innovation, have the power with the support of CRIBIQ, to unlock the full potential of the Mauricie region's bioeconomy." – Mohammed Benyagoub, president-CEO of CRIBIQ
This new study marks a major milestone in the transition to a sustainable and decarbonized regional economy. Having now a thorough understanding of bioresources and the sustainable development opportunities that stem from them, the Mauricie region is ready to become a model of excellence in green innovation and responsible economic growth. The region has everything it needs to position itself as a leader in the bioeconomy in Quebec.
Acknowledgements
This study was carried out with the collaboration and financial support of Innofibre, the Consortium de recherche et innovations en bioprocédés industriels au Québec (CRIBIQ), the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), the Centre National en Électrochimie et en Technologies Environnementales (CNETE), Kemitek, the Table des élus de la Mauricie and the volet 1 – Soutien au rayonnement des régions du Fonds régions et ruralité (FRR). The Service de développement économique et forestier (SDÉF) de La Tuque, the Société de développement de Shawinigan (SDS) and Innovation et Développement économique (IDÉ) Trois-Rivières also supported this project.
