PFI – Dedicated to biorefinery research for 100 years

This year it is 100 years since PFI was established. We can look back to a rich history with research within biorefining and products based on lignocelluloses, in close cooperation with industry.

At the beginning of the 20^th century, pulp and paper industry had a strong standing in several countries rich on forest resources. Industry growth led to a demand for new competence and scientifically based industry development. In Germany several research institutes were established as a support for German industries. In USA, “Forest Products Laboratory” was established in 1910. Canada, Finland, and Sweden established similar research laboratories in 1913, 1916 and 1917, respectively.

In 1918, the Technical Association of the Norwegian Pulp and Paper Industry took an initiative to establish a research institute within pulp and paper technology. A research committee (“The Research Committee of the Norwegian Pulp and Paper Industry”) was established to further elaborate this initiative.

The institute was established 15 August 1923, when the Research Committee of the Norwegian Pulp and Paper Industry employed Dr. Sigurd Samuelsen as the institute’s first director.