R&D projects

Tembec has developed a new fiber-based biocomposite material with the potential to be used in many product applications for industries such as transportation, construction and infrastructure.

Tembec’s next generation sustainable fiber:
Our new biocomposite material is strong, light, durable – and environmentally friendly 

Tembec developed this new biocomposite material to meet the accelerating need for lightweight, structural composites suitable for demanding applications. And it is in step with the growing preference for environmentally friendly products based on renewable resources.

Our unique patented process reconfigures cellulose fibers (a material found in trees) into a three-dimensional matrix. Combining this matrix with an eco-thermoset resin containing lignin (another product of trees) creates a three-dimensional lightweight, structural biocomposite.

“Tembec has been a world leader in sustainable forestry practices through FSC certification, and is a valued partner of WWF. We are excited that they are bringing to market new and innovative products, made from Tembec’s next generation sustainable fiber composite material, that offer promising environmental benefits.”

Hadley Archer, VP Strategic Partnerships & Development - World Wildlife Fund

A few of the many advantages over other materials for our new biocomposite

Physical attributes Environmental attributes

Strong as spruce but more flexible; hard as oak but much lighter

Impervious to corrosion and has absolute resistance to boring insects like termites

Resists chipping and splitting

Has superior electrical insulation properties

Made with Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified cellulose pulp and lignin – both renewable forest resources

Does not leach or produce emissions so it’s easy on the environment, people and wildlife

50+ year lifespan reduces disposal, landfill, transportation costs and resulting pollution

Can be safely incinerated to produce bioenergy when no longer needed

Tembec’s biocomposite has tremendous potential in many industries, for applications that currently rely on materials such as metal, engineered plastics, fiberglass, laminates and concrete. 

For example, the material could be used in the construction of bridges, columns and other architectural components which are both structural and decorative, as well as for floor panels for mass transit or commercial transportation applications.

A few examples of the many potential applications for our biocomposite

Infrastructure Construction Transportation
  • Electrical posts/cross-arms
  • Bridge components
  • Modular decking and siding
  • Lamp posts, park benches and other urban furniture
  • Quays, pontoons and other marine applications
  • Railroad ties
  • Structural insulated panels (SIPs)
  • Decorative and functional partitions
  • Arches, columns, staircases and other architectural shapes
  • Access flooring
  • Modular retaining wall systems
 Mass transit (buses, subways, trains):
  • Flooring panels
  • Structural internal panels
  • Seating and window masks
Commercial:
  • Truck beds
  • Tailgates
  • Bumper systems
  • Intermodal container floors
  • Pallets and crates

We are constantly improving our new material and its manufacturing process

We are now in the commercialization phase and have built a pilot plant at our Temiscaming operation which is being used to create prototypes for laboratory and field testing purposes. We are also working with leading companies in many fields to custom-formulate our material and fully develop product applications that set new performance standards.

Want to know more about our new biocomposite material?

For more information, please contact:

Vincent Gladu
Director, Business Development
Telephone: 416-775-2821
vincent.gladu@tembec.com

Address
405 The West Mall, Suite 800
Toronto, Ontario
CANADA  M9C 5J1