Ecostrat and BMI Group have announced a collaboration aimed at accelerating the transformation of legacy pulp and paper mill assets across Canada into next-generation biorefinery platforms.
The partnership will leverage Ecostrat’s BDO Zone Ratings framework to assess and prepare BMI’s portfolio of former mill sites for new investments in the bioeconomy. The initiative focuses on enabling the development of multi-product biorefineries capable of producing biofuels, renewable chemicals, biogas, engineered wood products such as mass timber, and other advanced bio-based materials.
“Canada has legacy mill assets, fibre resources, and communities looking for new investment,” said Jordan Solomon, CEO of Ecostrat. “What is often missing is consistent, investment-grade regional intelligence that helps developers and investors assess where new projects can move with greater confidence. When that gap is filled, investment often follows, as demonstrated by more than $10 billion in plant announcements in BDO Zones to date.”
BMI Group, which has acquired a portfolio of nine former pulp and paper mill sites across Canada, is positioning these assets for redevelopment into modern industrial hubs. Selected locations will be evaluated using the BDO Zone framework to improve investment readiness, reduce early-stage project risks, and support diversification within Canada’s forest sector.
Paul Veldman, CEO of BMI Group, commented: “We are making our sites available as early candidates for this work because we believe Canada can lead the world in transforming legacy forest-industry assets into the next generation of biorefineries. Putting wood back to work ensures that every part of the fibre stream supports new products, new industries, and renewed opportunity for forestry communities.”
One example of this approach is the Bioveld North project in Espanola, Ontario, which is being developed as a full-fibre bioproduct hub. The site aims to support the production of advanced materials, renewable energy, and next-generation fibre-based products, with tools such as BDO Zone Ratings helping to clarify feedstock availability, infrastructure, and overall site readiness for investors.
The collaboration is intended to act as a signal of private-sector confidence in the use of structured assessment tools to accelerate industrial redevelopment. It also highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between industry stakeholders and policymakers to support market diversification and attract international investment into Canada’s forest-based regions.
Tags:
