On June 7, 2017, BioNB is offering a unique opportunity to tour several industrial sites around this province. If you have ever wondered about the link between our renewable natural resources and innovative technology opportunities, walking through these facilities and meeting the experts involved is a great introduction.
These technology tours are part of the Atlantic Biorefinery Conference, an annual event that takes place in Fredericton this year. Past conferences have featured tours of manufacturing plants in various sectors including seafood, forest products, agriculture, biofuel, bioenergy and solid waste management, as well as various regional research centres. The common theme of these visits has been collaboration. Site hosts are not simply showing guests what they do with regards to science and technology; they are interested in new ideas, partnerships, and clients. The conference will be attended by a cross-section of scientists, engineers, investors, and entrepreneurs working in and around our bio-based industries.
We are excited to highlight some of New Brunswick’s top examples of bio-based technologies in action. Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s technology tours.
Recycling organics on a massive scale to create high-value products
Envirem Organics is an environmental company manufacturing value-added topsoils, potting soils, mulches, fertilizers and biofuels from fishery, agriculture and forestry by-products and residues. At the Miramichi facility, you can see the company’s large-scale industrial composting operations including their automated packaging lines, mulch grinding and colouring, wood pellet plant and bio-fertilizer plant.
Technical HQ for wastewater treatment plants in 35 countries
ADI Systems Inc., whose corporate R&D centre is located in Oromocto, is a global leader in implementing wastewater treatment and waste-to-energy solutions for large industrial clients. The company designs and builds on-site systems that employ a range of technologies including anaerobic digestion, aerobic treatment, and biogas treatment and utilization for green energy recovery. The R&D centre receives samples from their installations around the world. On the tour, we will learn more about the testing labs and product development work that underpins their export success.
Important aerial work that protects our forests
Forest Protection Limited (FPL) is certified by Transport Canada to protect New Brunswick’s forests from the air. This tour will include a “show and tell” of the specialized single-engine aircraft used to conduct fire suppression activities in New Brunswick, and a discussion of the technologies used to safely spray and attack fires. Guests will learn about the biological insecticide used to treat spruce budworm, a potentially hazardous outbreak that has required swift action by FPL and regional partners.
The science of salmon farming
We’ve partnered with the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association to host a boat tour from Saint Andrews that will take you to Cooke Aquaculture’s salmon farm site at Fish Island and Boone Cove. Cooke is a world leader in the seafood industry and this tour will highlight some of the science and technological advancements they rely on in all aspects of their business, from broodstock development, nets, and cages, to waste management, feed, harvest and processing.
Two dynamic research centres
Both the Huntsman Marine Science Centre and the Research & Productivity Council (RPC) will open their doors to showcase their labs and meet their experts. Both institutes are heavily involved with New Brunswick’s bio-industries, providing technical solutions and product development support to various projects.
By land, by sea and by air, there is certainly a lot going on in New Brunswick’s bio-based industries. These tours are a great opportunity to learn about the bioeconomy value chain and meet the people leading the way. Following the tours (June 8 and 9) the conference program features speaker sessions, a trade show, and plenty more networking opportunities.
It all begins at the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre in Fredericton, full details can be found here.