Non-wood Forest Products Based on Extractives- A New Opportunity for Canadian Forest Industry Part 2- Softwood Forest Species

Abstract

Forest resources are among the most important of Canada (in the case of Quebec, nearly 90% of the territory). Innovation represents an essential challenge for the Canadian forest industry, which is presently undergoing major changes towards finding new solutions for recovery. The processing of forest biomass has become increasingly relevant along with the popular concept of biorefineries. This concept should include the development of novel technologies based on forest extractives. Bioactive molecules are readily available through eco-friendly extraction processes using various types of forest residues including barks which are generated in significant quantities by the industry. This literature review offers a glimpse into the softwood boreal forest with a particular focus on industrial species. We are adopting an ethno-pharmacological approach prior to presenting existing data on bioactive molecules from various sources, along with results from our own laboratory. In conclusion, this paper clearly demonstrates the need for further research on bioactive molecules from Canadian forest species since there remains an important lack of reliable data.

Extractives of Stemwood and Sawmill Residues of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) for Biorefining in Four Climatic Regions in Finland—Phenolic and Resin Acid Compounds

“…Forest regeneration and management have a strong influence on the growth and wood properties as well [3,8,14]. According to the available literature, the total extractive contents of softwood species tend to increase toward the north in Northern Europe [27][28][29] and Canada [17]. However, the actual effects of temperature, light, and precipitation during the growth period on the extractives are not clear.…”

“…In the procurement of raw materials, interesting extractive compounds may be obtained from certain parts of the tree biomass, or from by-products or residues of forest industries [17,38]. In principle, sourcing of the desired compounds can be performed most accurately in the forest; there, the most interesting stands, trees, or locations can be identified and truly fresh wood can be attained.…”

“…According to different reviews, the total extractive percentage in Scots pine biomass is typically as follows: stemwood, 3 to 5%; stump, 19%; roots, 13%; bark, 25%; branches, 17%; and needles, 40% [14][15][16]. Across the world, there are softwood species with both much higher and lower extractive contents than Scots pine [8,14,17,18].…”

Investigation on the potential of poplar bark from short-rotation coppices as bio-based fungicidal additives

“…However, a variety of natural bioactive compounds is also deposited in the bark of trees. Many of them could have economic importance when extracted primarily as biopharmaceuticals [13]. Naturally occurring fungicidal substances in plants with high durability are grouped as tannins, flavonoids, lignans, stilbenes [14,15], terpenes, and terpenoids [16,17].…”

Effect of Forest Biomass Pretreatment on Essential Oil Yield and Properties

“…EOs are composed of: (i) terpenes and terpenoids, (ii) resins, and (iii) polyphenols [7]. Terpenes and terpenoids are usually found in all conifers and are mainly produced during photosynthesis.…”