Scenario-based strategic supply chain design and analysis for the forest biorefinery using an operational supply chain model

Supply chain (SC) design involves decisions for the long term, e.g. determining products, process technologies, number, location and capacity of different SC nodes, production rates, as well as suppliers, markets and partners. The forest biorefinery (FBR) is emerging as a new possibility for improving forestry companies’ business models, however introduces significant technological, economic and financial challenges—which can be systematically addressed in strategic SC design. In order to reduce the burden of such challenges, partnership with companies whose expertise brings value and experience to the forestry companies’ new business model is essential for FBR implementation. In this regard, redesigning the forestry SC in order for it to be aligned and consistent with the partner's SC, and in other words, designing a new integrated SC is of crucial importance.