ORONO — The University of Maine will host Maine Forest Biomaterials Week Aug. 27-29 at Wells Conference Center in Orono. The event will highlight the latest innovations and research in forest biomaterials, bringing together industry leaders, researchers and students to explore the future of sustainable materials derived from Maine’s abundant forest resources.
Hosted by the University of Maine’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources, and Engagement, the Advanced Structures and Composites Center and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the event will feature presentations, keynote speakers, panel discussions and entrepreneurial pitches from students and businesses commercializing sustainable forest bio-derived products. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices shaping the forest biomaterials industry.
Manufacturing RENEW3D, a celebration of Maine’s recent U.S. EDA designation as a Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub, and the Process Development Center’s 6th Annual Cellulose Nanomaterials Forum will comprise the three-day event. “Maine Forest Biomaterials Week showcases the incredible advancements being made using advanced manufacturing and forest biomaterials,” said Susan MacKay, chief scientist at the ASCC. “This event highlights business and research innovation focused on new economic opportunities leveraging Maine’s forest resources and is closely aligned with the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
In October 2023, Maine secured the prestigious designation of a Tech Hub in Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Led by the Maine Technology Institute in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Maine’s Tech Hub will accelerate research and development of natural polymers and other wood fiber bioproducts that can sequester carbon and replace plastics and toxic chemicals to grow investment and jobs in this important sector of Maine’s economy.
Maine Forest Biomaterials Week aims to foster collaboration and innovation, driving the growth of the biomaterials sector and supporting Maine’s economy. The event is open to the public, and participants from all backgrounds are encouraged to attend.
For more information and to register, please visit the Maine Forest Biomaterials Week event page.
