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John Shmuel
Telegraph-Journal

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In Dr. Kecheng Li's lab, it's not machinery and conveyor belts that will keep pulp and paper mills competitive in New Brunswick, it's microscopic enzymes.

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STEPHEN MACGILLIVRAY PHOTO

Kecheng Li, professor/director of graduate studies with the Department of Chemical Engineering and Limerick Pulp and Paper Centre at the University of New Brunswick, looks closely at a beaker of enzyme, which is treating wood fiber in his lab on campus.

Li, a chemical engineering professor at the University of New Brunswick's Fredericton campus, is developing new techniques to help keep Canadian pulp and paper mills competitive in the global market. His lab work uses cutting-edge technology to help conserve energy at mills, make higher quality paper and strengthen wood fibres in paper products.

The result? Better products for a cheaper price for the mills.

"It's very important, because they have been struggling in competing with other countries," said Li.

Cheap lumber from countries like Brazil and recent U.S. subsidies have led to a number of mill closures throughout Canada, as well as scaled-back work hours.

Li's research is currently being funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. In 2006, he received $1.5 million toward his $2.7-million project seeking to increase the use of more environmentally friendly mechanical pulp.

That line of research will not only help make pulp mills more green, but it will also transform low-grade newsprint production lines to more valuable specialty paper products, further improving profit.

"The commercialization prospect for this research and the potential cost savings for industry are very promising," according to an outline of Li's work by ACOA. "They represent significant potential benefits for the economy as well as the further enhancement of the R&D expertise and capacity of this region."

Li's research at UNB is also focusing on methods to strengthen wood fibres. The benefit to mills will be enormous if he and his team can do so, because paper machines at mills have to be shut down whenever sheets tear. Starting up the machines again is costly. If Li's research leads to fewer tears, mills stand to save a lot of money.

Tembec, a forestry company based in Quebec, is working closely with Li and UNB to help improve the efficiency of its own pulp processes.

"We have partnered on research related to understating the unique characteristics of our high yield and kraft pulp products and the applicability of these properties in current and non-traditional pulp markets," said Yajun Zhou, manager of technology and product development at Tembec.

Tembec is also supporting research on enzymes in the pulping process at UNB, which Li is currently heading. The goal is to find enzymes that can break down wood naturally, without using costly chemicals and large amounts of energy.

J. D. Irving, Limited, is another company that is partnering with Li and watching his research very closely.

Mary Keith, spokeswoman for the firm, said Li's work has already benefited the company and could help give it a leg up over other North American competitors.

"While this project is relatively new, Dr. Li's work shows promise in reducing energy consumption and emissions related to fossil fuels."

Li's project for value-added pulp and paper products is expected to be completed by 2011. He's also continuing to work on enzyme research after being awarded $1.6 million by ACOA in January.

- with files from Canadaeast News Service