TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Quebec — Innofibre Centre d’innovation des produits cellulosiques has partnered with PyroGenesis to advance the conversion of contaminated biomass into synthetic gas (syngas), supporting efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence and expand waste-to-energy solutions for Canada’s forest products sector.

The collaboration forms part of Innofibre’s newly opened C$14 million pre-commercial research and pilot facility at the Cégep de Trois-Rivières, which is designed to accelerate the commercialization of bio-based technologies under industrial-scale operating conditions.

Pilot Facility Targets Bioeconomy Innovation

The new research centre is reportedly the only pilot-scale facility of its kind in North America capable of replicating industrial production environments.

Its mission is to help companies develop and scale technologies in several key areas, including:

• Bio-based products and biomaterials
• Biochar production
• Waste valorization
• Industrial decarbonization
• Mine tailings recovery
• Forestry and agricultural biomass utilization

By bridging laboratory research and commercial production, the facility aims to shorten the path from innovation to industrial deployment.

Converting Difficult Biomass into Clean Energy

PyroGenesis is contributing its high-temperature waste-to-energy gasification technology to the project.

The technology is designed to process contaminated biomass that would otherwise be difficult to recycle or reuse.

Such feedstocks may contain paint residues, solvents, adhesives and other chemicals introduced during manufacturing, use or disposal of wood products.

Instead of being sent to landfill, these materials can be converted into synthetic gas (syngas), increasing the volume of usable biomass available for renewable energy production.

The resulting syngas can be used to:

• Generate electricity
• Produce synthetic fuels
• Serve as a feedstock for industrial chemical production

Supporting Decarbonization and Circular Economy Goals

Expanding the range of biomass suitable for energy recovery could improve resource efficiency across the forestry and wood products industries while reducing waste disposal.

The project also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Canada’s bioeconomy by creating higher-value uses for forest residues and contaminated wood waste.

P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis, welcomed the opening of the facility.

“Congratulations to the Innofibre team on the opening of their important new facility. This centre of excellence is vital to the commercialization of Quebec-based innovations for the bioeconomy, decarbonization and forestry sectors.”

The partnership demonstrates growing interest in advanced gasification technologies that convert challenging biomass streams into renewable energy while supporting circular economy objectives and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Last Updated on 09/07/2026 by Jota Machinery