Building a World-leading Bioeconomy from Aotearoa's forests

By Wayne Mulligan, CEO, NZ Bio Forestry.

New Zealand's opportunity to be a world leader in sustainable bioforestry.

At NZ Bio Forestry, we’ve always believed that New Zealand has the potential to be a leader of the world in sustainable, forest-based innovation. As I look to the global leaders in this space — particularly Finland, Sweden, and Norway — I see not just inspiration, but a roadmap. These countries have demonstrated that, with the right vision, policy settings, and industry collaboration, forestry can drive a thriving bioeconomy. A bioeconomy that answers so many of the challenges facing our economy.

In Finland, mills like Äänekoski are turning wood pulp into energy, textiles, and chemicals — all without fossil fuels. Sweden is pushing the envelope with nanocellulose and bio-based plastics, while Norway’s Borregaard is setting the standard for high-value biochemicals. What they’ve built is extraordinary — and it’s precisely the kind of ecosystem we’re working to establish here in Aotearoa, and then further abroad in the Asia-Pacific.

Our goal at NZ Bio Forestry is straightforward: to take the best of what works overseas and apply it to our local context, but then take it further.  Through our partnership with key innovators and partners from across Asia-Pacific, we are building a network of modular bioprocessing facilities designed to transform radiata pine and forestry residues and waste into advanced, low-emission bio-products. But we’re not just copying models from the north — we’re embedding our own strengths: Māori values, regional re-development, and a deep commitment to climate resilience.

We’re partnering with iwi, foresters, science leaders, and manufacturing exporters to create a new kind of forestry value chain — one that’s circular, inclusive with our communities, and future-focused. Our aim is not just to follow the leaders, but it is to join them — and in some areas, to lead.

The global shift to bio-based industries for decarbonisation is accelerating. Fast. We believe we have the right investments and collective vision. New Zealand has a unique opportunity to be a world leader.

At NZ Bio Forestry, we’re proud to be doing our part to make that future real. A Future Renewable.

Ngā mihi 

Wayne Mulligan

CEO, NZ Bio Forestry