The temporarily low cost of oil means that biomass plants are shutting down because wood can’t compete with cheap oil. Recently, shut-downs of the West Enfield and Jonesboro biomass plants were announced. There’s also a glut of softwood pulp.

California is experiencing a similar situation with its biomass plants, which can’t compete with solar.

Yet Maine still has a higher percentage of sustainably-managed forests than any other state in the country. But we’re losing jobs? How do we grow jobs AND support the growth and sustainability of our forest-based economy? Like any good portfolio, we need to diversify our forest-based economy. Biobased manufacturing can convert Maine’s renewable woody biomass (even the lowest quality wood) into higher-value, sustainable products for which there is rising global demand. Products like cellulosic sugars, biopolymers, and advanced materials like nanocellulose.

Biobased Maine, in partnership with the University of Maine and our organizational partner, Environmental Health Strategy Center, has a plan to diversify Maine’s forest-based economy. Contact us today to learn how you can help secure a sustainable future economy for Maine through biobased manufacturing.

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