Welcome to the Advanced Fibre Processing Laboratory!

Welcome to the Advanced Fibre Processing Laboratory in the Pulp and Paper Centre at UBC.  The laboratory conducts leading edge research and develops innovative new technologies for the pulp and paper industry.

The conventional pulp and paper industry is quickly evolving.  As the world increasingly recognizes the need for bio-based energy, fuels and truly renewable carbon neutral materials, we are increasingly looking to the forest industry to offset our reliance on fossil based fuels and materials.  Indeed, the BC Bio-energy Network states that 87% of the bio-energy potential in the province lies in our forests.  Our research is aimed at ensuring the industry is well positioned to lead this green revolution.  We have projects aimed at dramatically reducing the energy impact of the industry, to ensure that it continues to be the largest bio-energy producuer and exporter.  We also have projects aimed at enhancing the strength and other properties of fibres to enable them to be used in a wide range of new, innovative fibre-based products. Further, we have developed an innovative fibre design studio that brings together artists, architects, designers with material scientists and engineers to develop entirely new fibre based products.  We are always looking to partner with innovative organizations and people who want to be involved in creating the new forest industry.

The lab is co-directed by Professor James A. Olson in the Mechanical Engineering Department and Professor D. Mark Martinez in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of British Columbia.

If you would like to know more about how you can be involved our research, pulp and paper education or the industry, please feel free to contact either of us:

James Olson Email: James.Olson@ubc.ca, Phone: +1 604.822-5705

or

Mark Martinez Email: Martinez@chbe.ubc.ca, Phone: +1 604.822-2693