Grant: Idea to Innovation

We have invented a novel process for recovering commercially-valuable natural products from a pulp and paper (P&P) mill waste stream. Papermaking is a multi-step process utilizing large volumes of water, while generating considerable organic waste. One specific stream, black liquor condensate, is produced during the chemical and energy recovery step of the pulping process. Due to the organic compounds present, this stream is one of the most environmentally toxic in the mill, requiring considerable treatment. However, many of these compounds are very valuable when recovered. Our analysis of the natural product market has identified an immediate and considerable market for one specific compound, manool, which is used in proprietary processes by the flavour and fragrance industry. Together with two industrial partners (one pulp mill and one industrial processer) this current project will implement a pilot trial to achieve three objectives. Firstly, to test pilot scale production equipment and to create early production specifications for a commercial-scale process. Secondly, to produce sufficient samples of manool for prospective customer consideration and feedback. Thirdly, to de-risk the technology and develop a sustainable and profitable business plan. The first phase of the process, at the pulp mill, involves the crude recovery of the condensate, for shipping to the industrial processer. The processer will then implement the second phase of isolating and purifying the product for customers. For the P&P industry our invention provides a ""bolt-on"" solution, generating value-added products from waste streams, while addressing pressing environmental and economic issues. This also provides the Canadian chemical industry with new ways to generate revenue and to share them with P&P producers.