Innovation: The way to sustainability
The forestry sector is always looking at sustainability and waste management while also looking at how to make it more affordable and attainable, even for the smaller woodlots. Traditional methods like open burning or leaving wood waste to decompose naturally have significant environmental drawbacks. While open burning releases harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases, unmanaged waste can attract pests, spread disease, and increase the risk of wildfires. The unsustainable approach makes it challenging for our industry to balance productivity with environmental responsibility.
* photo credit: https://www.bioburnpros.ca/
In episode 4 of our Forestry Uncut podcast, you met Joe Lewis of BioBurn Pros, a company dedicated to transforming the way biomass is managed. Joe is part of a growing movement hoping to revolutionize the biomass processing industry.
Here’s an example of how the technology Joe is using helps the forestry sector with sustainability: Air curtain burners offer a variety of benefits, particularly for forest management. One of the primary advantages is the significant reduction in air pollution. The air curtain effectively traps smoke and particulate matter, preventing harmful pollutants from being released into the atmosphere..
Beyond pollution control, BioBurn Pros’ technology helps preserve forest health by swiftly disposing of wood waste, which can attract pests and diseases. The controlled burning process also lowers the risk of accidental wildfires. As with any process or new technology, there are some downsides. Other competing companies can produce bi-products that may be more valuable or have some greater efficiencies from utilising this excess wood waste, but those facilities can take larger investments and a longer time to build. In the meantime, Joe’s technology works and is operational as we write this blog post.
Joe will tell you he specializes in reduction, “Elimination and reduction is the best. So, you know, we're a biomass processing company, but really what we specialize is reduction, we reduce biomass to a biochar, 99%, reduce processes, we reduce emissions, reduce capital expenditures.”
The forestry sector faces critical challenges in balancing sustainability with cost-effective waste management. Innovative solutions like BioBurn Pros’ air curtain burners, as highlighted by Joe Lewis in our Forestry Uncut podcast, are paving the way for a more sustainable and affordable future. As the industry continues to evolve, adopting these forward-thinking approaches will be key to achieving long-term sustainability and productivity.