Impacts: Pulp & Paper Industry

In 1998 a Manitoba-based company approached MRAC requesting funds for a feasibility study that would look into building a non-wood pulp and paper mill in the province. The company, which was later named Prairie Pulp and Paper Inc., was hoping to utilize the millions of tonnes of agricultural fibre discarded by farmers annually to produce pulp and paper. MRAC saw this as an opportunity to recycle agricultural waste and to create a new, sustainable industry in Manitoba.

In 2004 MRAC approved a subsequent phase of the project which involved developing a commercial-grade, eco-paper prototype composed exclusively of Manitoba ag-fibre.

And in June 2010 the Governments of Canada and Manitoba announced a $400,000 investment in Manitoba’s pulp and paper industry to support research and development of high quality, eco-friendly paper made from agricultural crop byproducts.

MRAC is pleased to have acted as a catalyst in this initiative. Click here to read the Canada Manitoba news release.