Toronto’s CHAR Technologies is forging a strategic partnership with BMI Group, the two companies announced this week.
BMI Group, an industrial development company, is investing $2 million into CHAR, a renewable energies startup.
The BMI Group is the largest owner and redeveloper of end-of-use paper mills in Ontario. CHAR Tech, meanwhile, is behind a temperature pyrolysis technology process that converts wood and organic wastes to generate renewable energy revenue streams.
Alongside CHAR Tech, BMI intends to develop a new renewable energy production facility at Bioveld North, which is strategically located in the heart of northern Ontario’s wood fibre basket, according to a statement from the firms.
“By investing in innovative companies like CHAR Tech and revitalizing assets such as Bioveld North and Niagara, we’re putting wood fibre back to work in next-generation applications,” stated Paul Veldman, chief executive officer of The BMI Group.
“We see significant long-term opportunity in our partnership with CHAR Tech,” he continued, “as The BMI Group continues to invest in the strategic retooling of industrial sites across Canada.”
“This partnership marks a pivotal milestone in advancing biocarbon production at our CHAR Tech Thorold facility,” remarked Andrew White, CEO of CHAR Tech.
“With The BMI Group’s infrastructure expertise, we are positioned to accelerate project delivery,” he added. “This collaboration also opens the door to further opportunities already in development.”
Earlier this year, White, was named a 2025 Changemaker by The Globe and Mail for his work in decarbonizing the steel industry.
“This recognition from The Globe and Mail is an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work of our entire team,” White stated in February. “As the world transitions to cleaner technologies, our goal is to provide immediate, scalable solutions that help industries reduce their carbon footprint today while paving the way for future innovation.”
Last year, CHAR secured $2.5M in capital via the Government of Québec through the Programme Innovation Bois.
“We are deeply grateful for the Government of Québec’s support through the Programme Innovation Bois,” White said at the time. “Together, we are driving innovation that contributes to a cleaner, greener future.”