Journal of Food Research; Vol. 2, No. 5; 2013 ISSN 1927-0887 E-ISSN 1927-0895 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education Non-Wood Forest Products Based on Extractives- A New Opportunity for Canadian Forest Industry Part 2- Softwood Forest Species Mariana Royer1,2, Robert Houde3 & Tatjana Stevanovic1,2 1 Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt, Université Laval, 2425 Rue de la Terrasse, Québec G1V0A6, Canada 2 Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec 3 Agro-Kimika Concepts, 626 Strathmore Blvd Dorval, Québec H9P 2A2, Canada Correspondence: Tatjana Stevanovic, Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt, Université Laval. Tel: 1-418-656-2131 ext. 7337. E-mail:
[email protected] Received: May 31, 2013 Accepted: September 10, 2013 Online Published: September 20, 2013 doi:10.5539/jfr.v2n5p164 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jfr.v2n5p164 Abstract Forest resources are among the most important of Canada (in the case of Quebec, nearly 90% of the territory). Innovation represents an essential challenge for the Canadian forest industry, which is presently undergoing major changes towards finding new solutions for recovery. The processing of forest biomass has become increasingly relevant along with the popular concept of biorefineries. This concept should include the development of novel technologies based on forest extractives. Bioactive molecules are readily available through eco-friendly extraction processes using various types of forest residues including barks which are generated in significant quantities by the industry. This literature review offers a glimpse into the softwood boreal forest with a particular focus on industrial species.