Central Wisconsin News

A $4 million grant is supporting the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) in advancing innovations within the forest products sector. This industry plays a significant role in Wisconsin's economy and environment.

The grant, awarded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) in March, has enabled WIST to make several changes under the leadership of Executive Director Paul Fowler. These include infrastructure upgrades and an expanded team with four new staff members and student interns. The enhancements have improved laboratory capabilities, particularly for research on compostable materials and plant growth applications.

“With WIST, our Wisconsin Forestry Center and our paper science and chemical engineering program, I am incredibly proud of our college’s ongoing investments in this essential sector of Wisconsin’s economy,” stated Brian Sloss, dean of the College of Natural Resources.

The funding addresses challenges faced by the $24.4 billion forest products industry, which ranks as Wisconsin's fourth-largest manufacturing sector. Employing over 61,000 people statewide, this sector is crucial to the state's economic framework. As markets evolve for forest and fiber products, WIST aims to rejuvenate economic centers through innovations in underutilized pulp and fiber resources along with packaging and tissue production.

“There are markets available for these forest products,” noted Fowler. “Packaging and tissue production represent potential growth areas in Wisconsin, but many businesses may not know where to begin. WIST can guide them in building a roadmap for success.”

Although WIST did not secure funding from the Build Back Better national program after reaching its final stage, Governor Tony Evers and WEDC acknowledged the significance of their proposal by awarding this grant to support their initiatives.

“As a multi-billion-dollar industry that employs more than 60,000 Wisconsinites, there’s no doubt that our paper and forest products sector is a key industry that contributes mightily to our state’s economic success,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m incredibly proud of our continued efforts to invest in and bolster this critical part of Wisconsin’s proud heritage."

“The folks at UW-Stevens Point are doing great work to support the sustainability of Wisconsin’s forestry industry," Evers added. "We’re excited to be providing critical funding to the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology to help ensure the long-term viability of this critical economic driver for our state.”

Beyond infrastructure improvements, Fowler's team is enhancing WIST's role as a resource for testing compostability and recyclability in fiber-based products. This provides businesses with vital data needed for informed product development decisions.

“WIST’s expertise and industry connections can help businesses fine-tune their strategies or find the right starting point for transformative changes,” Fowler explained. “Our goal is to help rural forest communities thrive by unlocking this untapped potential.”

Businesses interested in exploring opportunities within forest products or agricultural sectors are encouraged to contact WIST at 715-346-2111 or wist@uwsp.edu.