Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Pacific Water Research Centre

Non-wood Biorefinery - Sustainable Pathways for Polymer Production

Dr. M. Sarwar Jahan

16 Sep 2026 - A promising alternative to fossil-fuel based polymers is emerging from forest-based value chains. This study presents a potassium hydroxide (KOH)-based biorefinery approach for non-wood biomass. 

  • Addressing Food Insecurity in KlemtuAddressing Food Insecurity in Klemtu
    As the COVID-19 pandemic has outlined, food supply chains can be extremely fragile. The pandemic, especially, has shown how important having a local food source is to the food security of remote communities. According to the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study, 48% of First Nations households are food insecure.

A joint research study between the Pacific Water Research Centre (PWRC) and the Fraser Basin Council (FBC) points to the need for engaging municipal governments and the general public in better understanding the use of nature-based solutions for preventing water pollution and protecting salmon. Read the report here.