New Zealand researchers, trade associations sees biofuels, chemicals as key to unlocking value from wood waste

In New Zealand, the Wood Council’s Woodscape report looked at options for industry to boost exports to $12 billion by 2023, up from $4.5 billion today, but noted that technologies such as biochemicals and biofuels would not flourish until sawmills and forest owners began to package and sell sawdust and other mill residues as raw materials for by-product development.

Bioenergy Association executive officer Brian Cox told Stuff.co.nz that “I see this as the biggest barrier to getting wood fuel as a mainstream energy source for New Zealand,” while Scion CEO Warren Parker said that the next step was “to work with companies to use the WoodScape model to help them understand their individual investment options at specific sites and regions.”

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