Project description
A game-changer for functional and reliable cellulose production
Finding functional and reliable materials has been a challenge, especially with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), which is often difficult and expensive to produce. The EU-funded WOODCELL project aims to change that. Using Fibenol’s SWEETWOODS facility, WOODCELL will create MCC from woody biomass in a more sustainable and efficient way than traditional methods. Their process valorises raw material with 90% efficiency, uses less energy, and produces a more stable product. By 2027, WOODCELL plans to build a biorefinery capable of producing 4,000 tonnes per year, increasing to 20,000 tonnes annually by 2030. This new approach will open up global markets and lead to at least five new bio-based products in collaboration with companies like DS Smith, Coatex, and Skeleton Technologies.
Objective
WOODCELL aims to further build on Fibenol’s unique SWEETWOODS production facility to enable production of micro-scale specialty Micro-crystalline Cellulose (MCC) from woody biomass sources, that is significantly more affordable than cellulose materials with comparable properties. WOODCELL is highly efficient (95% Vs 40-50% for alternative commercial processes) with energy usage ~3 times lower. In addition, WOODCELL MCC is produced at high solids content (18-20% before drying) and is colloidally stable, overcoming the usual negative effects of dewatering during processing. WOODCELL will achieve competitive price (even against other abundant chemicals). This, combined with the unique properties will enable WOODCELL to unlock new markets globally.
WOODCELL will design and build a sustainable, cost-effective, first-of-a-kind, flagship MCC biorefinery producing 4 kt/y by 2029. The modular design, combined with existing IP and freedom to operate will be key factors to enabling the rapid commercial exploitation and replication. Following the successful build and operation of the WOODCELL MCC plant, WOODCELL will move into a replication phase and build a new MCC production facility capable of producing 20 kt/y by 2030.
Based on these unique MCCs, WOODCELL will develop the whole value chain from the feedstock supply to processing and production steps in order to create the basis for at least 5 new bio-based value chains and create at least 5 new consumer products produced from bio-based materials, based on existing commercially viable products from out industrial partners: DS Smith a multinational packaging business, Coatex a multinational manufacturer of specialty materials and Skeleton Technologies is a hi-tech company that develop energy storage solutions.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-JU-IA - HORIZON JU Innovation ActionsCoordinator
13522 Tallinn
Estonia