A British Columbia logging company has started grinding woodwaste to serve a wood pellet manufacturer following a C$750,000 investment in technology.
Pine Star Logging’s new wood grinding machine will grind waste for Pacific BioEnergy’s wood pellet factory at Prince George. The pellets are then exported overseas.
“This is the beginning of a brand new industry because what was once considered waste now has new value,” said Keith Brandner, Pine Star manager.
Pine Star processes logging wood debris and waste from mills through a hog – a large grinder. Material processed includes pulverised bark, shavings, sawdust and low-grade lumber.
Pacific BioEnergy said Pine Star’s recognition of the value of using woodwaste rather than burning it at logging sites gave the opportunity to build a new culture around dealing with forest debris.
