Eastern white pine is abundant in Maine, yet there aren’t many markets for its pulpwood and residuals after the sawlogs are cut.

Biobased Maine is helping write the next chapter of Maine’s forest industry by participating in the Maine Forest Economy Growth Initiative, an industry-led group that is charting a course for the future. With several pulp and paper mills shut down, and the loss of markets for over 4 tons of wood (primarily softwood), Maine is eager to market its forestry assets and consider new markets.

With coordination from the Maine Forest Products Council and the Maine Development Foundation, the Maine Forest Economy Growth Initiative has issued several Requests for Proposal (RFP) recently, including:

Wood Energy Study (due October 20):  Wood Energy Study RFP

Request for Information (RFI) for Strategic Planning (due October 13): Strategic planning RFI 9-21-17

Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Maine Global Market Analysis and Benchmarking (due October 6): Global Market Analysis and Benchmarking RFP 9-15-17

These studies will help in the development of a strategy for Maine’s future forest industry. Biobased Maine knows that biobased manufacturing will play a key role in the future of Maine’s forest industry and its members and board are excited to be part of this crucial process.