Program

The world’s most influential academics, researchers and industry leaders will meet in Thunder Bay, Canada on June 9th - 12th, 2019. Lakehead University’s Biorefining Research Institute will host global delegates to discuss and collaborate on the most innovative and game changing bioeconomy opportunities. Plenary experts and keynotes speakers will come together to present the latest advancements and case studies in the bioeconomy.

Value Chain Development Opportunities, presented by CRIBE.

This industry-oriented program, presented by CRIBE, is a new addition to the 2019 Joint International Forest Biorefining Conference and Symposium on Lignocellulosic Materials (ISLM). The day will focus on the business of biorefining, the products and markets it can inspire, and value chain development opportunities. Hear from leading innovators, entrepreneurs and business developers who are shaping the Bio-Economy.

2019 IFBC & ISLM: Conference Topics

Theme 1: Bioeconomy 

The world’s economy is highly dependent on natural resources which means significant opportunity for the bioeconomy to become a major economic driver. Globally, bioeconomy innovation could positively impact diverse sectors such as energy, industrial manufacturing, agriculture, health and medicine. This industry-oriented theme, presented in partnership with CRIBE, is a new addition to the 2019 Joint International Conference and Symposium. A full day will focus on the business of biorefining, the products and markets it can inspire, and value chain development opportunities. It also aims to profile innovation as a platform to increase investment in the bioeconomy

Bioeconomy conference topics:

•     Value Chain Development Opportunities
•     Working Together to Harness the Potential of a Global Green Economy.
•     Building Better Bridges between Academia and Industry.
•     Transforming Biodiversity Research into Sustainable Commercial Reality.
•     Best Practises in Creating Bioeconomy Clusters.
•     Pathways to Economic Development and Reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples.
•     Canada’s National Bioeconomy Strategy.
•     The Potential of Canada’s Forest Products.
•     Investing in Bioeconomy Innovation & Growth.
•     Circular Bioeconomy to Advance Canada’s Forest Sector.
•     Bioeconomy as a Tool to Address Modern Society Needs and Climate Change Abatement.
•     Bioeconomy Policy & Legislative Goals.

Theme 2: Biomass 

Lignocellulosic biomass, the most abundant organic mass on the earth, can be converted into biofuels and bioproducts to replace oil-derived fuels and products. This theme will focus on new biomass extraction discoveries, as well as the fast-evolving biomass to energy industry

Biomass conference topics include:

•     Feedstock Discoveries & Sustainability.
•     Advancements in Biomass Characterization and Quality Assessments.
•     Application of Biomass as an Industrial Co-Product.
•     Challenges & Opportunities in Biomass Conversion.
•     Extraction of Value-Added Bioproducts from Biomass.
•     Best Practices in Wood Pellets and Densified Biomass Product Design.
•     The Renewable Power Potential of Biomass Waste Conversion.
•     Innovation in Biomass Manufacturing.
•     Biomass Supply and Value Chain

Theme 3: Biorefining 

Renewable biomass can be processed into a spectrum of marketable products such as biofuels, biochemicals, heat and power, biopolymers, food and feedstock. The key to creating a bioeconomy will be the development of new separation and conversion processes that can transform renewable natural resources into more complex biopoproducts. This theme will focus on new research and processes that have the potential to transform the bioeconomy.

Biorefining conference topics include:

•     Biorefineries – Past, Present and Future.
•     Discoveries in Biomass Conversion Platforms.
•     A European Perspective for Biorefinery and Biotechnological Research.
•     The Iberoamercian View of Lignocellulosic Biorefinery.
•     An Industry Update on TMP-Bioprocess for Lignocellusic Biomass.
•     An International Review of Cellulosic Approaches and Advancements.
•     The Latest Process Intensification Strategies through Autothermal Operation.
•     Remediation of Contaminated Environments.
•     Commercialization of Next Generation Biofuels and Products. 

Theme 4: Biofuels 

Biofuels, produced from renewable biomass through biorefining processes, are considered to be a carbon-neutral source of renewable energy, as opposed to fossil fuels, such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. This theme presents the scientists, researchers and innovators who are making biofuels more efficient and viable for market growth. 

Biofuels conference topics include:

•     A Global Update on Advanced Biofuels.
•     The Biodiesel Production Process as an Eco-Friendly Sustainable, Green Technology.
•     Measuring the Energy Efficiency of Biofuels.
•     Carbon Capture and Storage in Global Climate Policy.
•     Production and Application of Solid Biofuels.
•     The Feasibility of Biogas Production from Pulp and Paper Primary Sludge.
•     Cost-Effective Biodiesel Production and Evaluation.
•     Byproduct Applications from Biofuels Production.
•     High Productivity of Lignocellulosic Ethanol.

Theme 5: Bioproducts 

From trees to plastics, global interest and investment in bioproducts continues to gain momentum due to international concerns about environmental sustainability and reducing dependence on non¬renewable fossil fuels. Developing and manufacturing bio-based products is a complex process and business but provides incredible opportunity for all participants in the value chain. This theme will examine the latest bioproduct developments and applications from an international perspective. 

Bioproducts conference topics include:

•     Driving Bioproduct Innovation and Commercialization.
•     Novel Bioproduct Separation Methods.
•     Modern Uses and Applications of Bioproducts in an Evolving Society.
•     Break-Through Research to Reduce Dependency on Petroleum-Based Products.
•     Novel Cellulose and Lignin Based Functionalized Bioproducts.
•     New Uses for Agro-Industrial Waste.
•     Enhancing the Conversion of Single-Carbon Byproducts.
•     Reinforcing Polymer Systems for Bioproduct Development.