Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology is Awarded

$4 Million Grant

The State of Wisconsin has recently awarded the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point a $4 million grant to explore and develop new ways of using forestry products.

The grant creates pathways for state, local, and business partners to collaborate, plan, and reimagine what their resources can do for them. Wisconsin is 47% forested; as the paper industry has consolidated, shut down, or moved, some see the Wisconsin forest and paper industries as a legacy manufacturing sector. Wisconsin is the nation’s largest producer of paper, with over 100 companies in pulp and paper converting alone. A shift in this market could have lasting effects on both local and statewide economies.

The grant offers new opportunities for this struggling industry, which is an untapped commodity in a changing market.

The state grant originated with the federal 2021 Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC), funded by the American Rescue Plan. The BBBRC challenged local communities to promote inclusive and equitable recovery while promoting jobs in clean energy, next-gen manufacturing, and biotechnology. In a two-phase grant application, WIST, as part of a collaboration led by the Wisconsin Paper Council was selected in Phase I to go on to Phase II grant development. Only 60 projects were selected from the pool of 529 national applicants, and WIST’s proposal was the sole project selected from Wisconsin.

Governor Tony Evers committed an additional $8 million through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to supplement the federal grant. Although WIST did not secure one of the 21 Phase II federal awards, Governor Evers reaffirmed the state's commitment by allocating an $8 million split between WIST and Midstate Technical College.

WIST is using the grant to elevate the forestry sector’s profile and reimagine the products of this industry for a global 21^st Century customer base. Despite its importance for Wisconsin, the northern forest industry has traditionally been underserved by federal programs. The forest products sector employs 61,000 full- and part-time people and is a $24.4 billion business in Wisconsin, the fourth-largest manufacturing sector in the state.

“Many fiber businesses aren’t aware of the ways that they can put their fiber resources to work,” notes Paul Fowler, WIST executive director. “There is significant potential in compostable, paper-formed packaging, for example.”

These businesses may not know how to enter the field, where to begin, or what strategies need to be fine-tuned; this is where WIST comes in. WIST, which has driven innovation in Wisconsin sustainability since 2010, supports businesses looking to rethink their product or approach in an evolving marketplace.

“Through our expertise and the ability to connect with other industry experts we can help businesses fine-tune their plans—or decide where to start revamping their business models,” Fowler adds. “Our experts at WIST can also provide services in compostability and recyclability testing of fiber-based products to assist in new opportunities.”

"We aim to help rural forest communities thrive and avoid lost potential," Fowler emphasizes.

The grant, operational through December of 2026, benefits local and state economies while enhancing sustainability and environmental outcomes.