Forest Products
As a heritage industry for Maine, the Forest products industry is adapting to changing market trends to maintain the state’s leading role the global economy. Efforts such as wood technology innovation are driving new job creation and the baseline for sustainable growth.
Visit the bottom of the page to access the Maine Resource Compass, a searchable directory of resources across the State to help you fund and grow your business.
Domestic Trade Programs & Resources
- FOR/Maine - Stay up-to-date on Maine's Forest Opportunity Roadmap, a collaborative plan to ignite Maine's emerging forest products economy through traditional and innovative technologies. The vision: to grow Maine's forest products industry by 40%, and reach $12 Billion in economic impact by 2025.
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University of Maine Forest Bioproducts Institute Technology Research Center - Expedite commercialization of forest bioproducts-based technologies, engage with UMaine faculty and industry members, and take advantage of top tier processing & analysis assistance with the Forest Bioproducts Institute's Technology Research Center in Old Town, ME.
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UMaine's Maine Mass Timber Commercialization Center - Various state and regional industry stakeholders are brought together here to reinvigorate and innovate Maine's forest economy. Click here to learn more about what the Commercialization Center offers, as well as well as discover other forest products services from UMaine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center.
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Maine Accelerates Growth (MxG) - Funding for innovative and entrepreneurial companies, with initial funding awarded in the following areas: 1) programs & events that support increased capital, market access, and/or talent access; or 2) that build upon Maine's innovative and entrepreneurial culture.
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E2Tech Sustaining Partner Program - Invest in Maine's premier clean technology business and economic development organization, and in turn receive promotional exposure through their various network channels across the region.
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Northern Forest Center Board Forum - Bring your experience and knowledge to the table and engage with industry peers about business ideas and concepts, common challenges, effective strategies, and more. Learn about the multitude of collaborative opportunities within the forest products industry here.
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Transformational Innovation for Wood Manufacturers - Upgrade the way you operate, plan, and manage your business with the Northern Forest Center's efficiency and profit-enhancing strategies. Additionally, the Center offers both financial and technical assistance to help companies who choose to innovate.
Market Studies
- Maine Wood Pellets Market Profile (2022) - Maine has several companies that manufacture wood pellets, which are biofuels made from compressed wood fiber. Wood pellets are primarily made from the residuals left over from the sawmilling process when logs are converted into lumber and other high-value wood-products and are then used in residential and industrial applications. Read more about growing market for this product.
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Maine Mass Timber / CLT Market Profile (2021) - Mass timber is a category of framing styles typically characterized by the use of large solid wood panels for wall, floor, and roof construction. The strength and dimensional stability of mass timber offers a low-carbon alternative to steel, concrete, and masonry for many applications. Cross-laminated timber is a key mass timber product. Maine is well situated to support the manufacture of mass timber/CLT products.
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Pulp and Paper Mill Products Market Profile (2022)- This profile is intended to provide an overview of Maine's Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Mills industry (NAICS 3221), including the current presence of the industry in the state, its markets and products, and the outlook for industry products.
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Forest Products Industry Profile (2023) - This comprehensive Industry Profile provides an overview of the vital role that Forest Products play in Maine's economy. The report contains industry trends, subsector opportunities, and information about sales and demands.
Grants & Loans
- Northern Border Regional Commission Regional Forest Economy Partnership - NBRC offers the Regional Forest Economy Partnership (RFEP) grant competition in periodically For more information, call the Maine State Program Manager at 207-624-7448.
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SBIR/STTR Technical Assistance Program (TAP) - If you’re in need of high-risk, early stage technology financing, MTI’s TAP program offers funding and technical assistance to help you craft your winning proposal for SBIR/STTR funding.
Trade Shows & Events
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National Hardwood Lumber Association Convention & Exhibition - Save the date: October 4-6, 2023 for next year's NHLA Convention and Exhibit Hall in Louisville, Kentucky.
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University of Maine Pulp & Paper Foundation Annual Paper Days - This multi-day pulp & paper industry event brings together industry members, students, donors, & University faculty and staff with the goals of education & networking in mind. Save the Date: April 4-5 2023.
Read the latest Forestry and Forest Products Report here.
To find more Forest Products resources please explore the Maine Resource Compass below. You can search this living database to build your network, grow your knowledge base and find funding opportunities. These resources come from all across the entrepreneurial ecosystem — in Maine and beyond.
