This text is part of the Research special section
Black spruce is found in northern Quebec, in the boreal forests. If its dense wood is used in sawmills to make building materials, its bark is burned to generate energy. However, it could have a second new use.
“I do a lot of work at a site where 2.5 million tons of bark are stored,” notes Marco Gagnon, Forestry and Energy Advisor at the Abitibi-Ouest Community Development Aid Society (SADCAO). In the sector, these piles are abundant in sawmill yards. They come from a different era, before the mid-1980s, when Quebec regulations were less strict and bark was not yet valued.
Mr. Gagnon estimates that Chantiers Chibougamau alone produces approximately 80,000 tons of black spruce bark annually. In other words, there are a lot of them, he says, and this last one contains something that could prove valuable: tannin.
“It’s a very reactive macromolecule,” explains Flavia Braghiroli, professor of forest bioproducts at the Forest Research Institute of Quebec University in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Thanks to this property, tannin could replace phenol. This equally reactive compound is currently used to make resins, paints, fabrics, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, plywood, insulation materials, soft drinks and much more.
Less toxic products
The problem with phenol is that it is highly toxic to humans. It can affect the central nervous system, cause liver and kidney damage, and even cause death from poisoning. If found in nature, it can contaminate groundwater and waterways.
Since the chemical compound has been discontinued in Canada since 1992, it is imported by industry, mainly from the United States. “We are in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, there is a whole transport of these materials to remote regions, so I consider it a very interesting project,” emphasizes M.me Braghiroli.
The professor has just begun a three-year research program to bring Quebec tannin from Abitibi-Témiscamingue black spruce to market. Its goal is to first acquire high-tech equipment for the extraction of this macromolecule, namely an autoclave and a spray dryer.
“It takes the whole process. Put the peels in a kind of pressure cooker with water. This is followed by a period of cooking and then very gentle drying with the mixture so as not to change its chemical structure. At the end, we get a red powder,” explains the researcher. The goal is to conduct tests and find the best conditions for collecting the most tannin, or even develop machinery with private partners.
New partnerships
Mme Braghiroli also wants to see how the tannin could be collected before Resolute Forest Products converts it into electricity and heat at its Senneterre plant. This company buys most of the bark from the Abitibi-Témiscamingue sawmills.
“Today, the bark is sent directly to cogeneration for energy production. Are we able to produce tannin without breaking the chain? ” asks the professor.
Several private organizations – notably Cyclofor, West Fraser, Les Aciers JP, Bio Stratège and Mitacs – that perceive the economic potential are investing and participating in research. They specialize in woodworking, engineering or industrial equipment design. SADCAO is also contributing to the project and Mme Braghiroli is always looking for new offers.
International boom
The growing global tannin market is expected to reach four billion US dollars by 2030, according to a report by consultancy and research firm Allied Market Research.
In Brazil, M country of originme Braghiroli, acacia bark is even richer in tannins. Its content is around 40%, compared to only 10% for black spruce. Major players have emerged in this vast South American country and penetrated global markets. Mr. Gagnon, who inherited the Business Development portfolio, is in contact with these organizations. “These people gave us samples of what they were doing. (…) It is certain that we perceive these companies as partners and not as competitors. We want to work with them. Black spruce is our sector, it grows here,” he says.
This content was created by the Special Publications team at Obligation, relating to marketing. Writing about Obligation did not participate.