Periodic Reporting for period 1 - WOODCELL (WOOD RESIDUES DERIVED MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE FOR SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS)
Período documentado: 2024-06-01 hasta 2025-11-30
The WoodCell project is building Europe’s first industrial-scale crystalline cellulose production line. Main goals are: 1) Scale up the production of WoodCell™ crystalline cellulose; 2) Build renewable value chains in packaging, coatings, and energy storage solutions; 3) Replace fossil chemicals with European bio-based sustainable materials.
Fibenol together with leaders in innovation, production, and application development, covering the value chain from wood residues derived crystalline cellulose biomaterial to applicable products, leads the way to offer sustainable solutions with novel bio-based materials. WoodCell aims to revolutionize the production of crystalline cellulose, leveraging Fibenol’s unique Sunburst™ pre-treatment-based production process at the SWEETWOODS flagship plant, forming novel bio-based materials for the various applications in the materials and chemical industries.
WoodCell focuses on scaling up the production of Fibenol´s crystalline cellulose, a low-carbon natural bio-based material with unique properties. The crystalline cellulose serves as a strength additive and rheology modifier in various products, including in construction materials, paper and packaging and energy storage. The project collaborates across value chains towards more sustainable solutions by replacing fossil-based chemicals with low CO2 bio-based alternatives.
WoodCell project flips the script by: 1) Unlocking new functionality with patented Sunburst™ pre-treatment; 2) Turning hardwood side-streams into high-value materials; 3) Delivering a high-performance material ready for demanding applications; 4) Building Europe’s first industrial-scale crystalline cellulose facility; 5) Enabling circular, competitive alternatives to fossil-based materials; 6) Strengthening EU resource independence and industrial resilience; 7) Maximizing the circular use of wood biomass.
Fibenol together with leaders in innovation, production, and application development, covering the value chain from wood residues derived crystalline cellulose biomaterial to applicable products, leads the way to offer sustainable solutions with novel bio-based materials. WoodCell aims to revolutionize the production of crystalline cellulose, leveraging Fibenol’s unique Sunburst™ pre-treatment-based production process at the SWEETWOODS flagship plant, forming novel bio-based materials for the various applications in the materials and chemical industries.
WoodCell focuses on scaling up the production of Fibenol´s crystalline cellulose, a low-carbon natural bio-based material with unique properties. The crystalline cellulose serves as a strength additive and rheology modifier in various products, including in construction materials, paper and packaging and energy storage. The project collaborates across value chains towards more sustainable solutions by replacing fossil-based chemicals with low CO2 bio-based alternatives.
WoodCell project flips the script by: 1) Unlocking new functionality with patented Sunburst™ pre-treatment; 2) Turning hardwood side-streams into high-value materials; 3) Delivering a high-performance material ready for demanding applications; 4) Building Europe’s first industrial-scale crystalline cellulose facility; 5) Enabling circular, competitive alternatives to fossil-based materials; 6) Strengthening EU resource independence and industrial resilience; 7) Maximizing the circular use of wood biomass.
Final specifications and KPIs for each use case were unified and application-driven specification framework for crystalline cellulose was successfully established across all targeted use cases. A coherent and application-relevant testing framework was established, directly linked to end-user performance requirements.
A robust technical, environmental, and regulatory foundation for progressing further engineering optimisation in the next project phases was established. Scalable, industrially relevant platform for specialty cellulose production was demonstrated.
A reliable and scalable feedstock sourcing strategy based on certified forest resources established which provides a sound technical basis. The results directly support crystalline cellulose process optimisation and reduce supply-chain risk for subsequent demonstration and scale-up activities.
A strong technical basis for pilot-scale validation and further optimisation focused on minimising operating cost while maintaining target performance was established. Successful integration of optimisation activities across the process was achieved.
A solid pilot-scale foundation for crystalline cellulose market applications by screening and benchmarking crystalline cellulose performance across functional applications while simultaneously strengthening the enabling toolbox for crystalline cellulose characterization was established.
Harmonised SSbD methodology was established and concrete sustainability and safety evaluations aligned with EC guidance have been initiated. Initial attributional LCA results for crystalline cellulose have been produced, together with benchmark comparisons against relevant conventional alternatives.
A robust technical, environmental, and regulatory foundation for progressing further engineering optimisation in the next project phases was established. Scalable, industrially relevant platform for specialty cellulose production was demonstrated.
A reliable and scalable feedstock sourcing strategy based on certified forest resources established which provides a sound technical basis. The results directly support crystalline cellulose process optimisation and reduce supply-chain risk for subsequent demonstration and scale-up activities.
A strong technical basis for pilot-scale validation and further optimisation focused on minimising operating cost while maintaining target performance was established. Successful integration of optimisation activities across the process was achieved.
A solid pilot-scale foundation for crystalline cellulose market applications by screening and benchmarking crystalline cellulose performance across functional applications while simultaneously strengthening the enabling toolbox for crystalline cellulose characterization was established.
Harmonised SSbD methodology was established and concrete sustainability and safety evaluations aligned with EC guidance have been initiated. Initial attributional LCA results for crystalline cellulose have been produced, together with benchmark comparisons against relevant conventional alternatives.
The production concept has been technically validated at pilot-scale at Imavere biorefinery.
WoodCell™ crystalline cellulose advantages: 1) Bio-based and renewable; 2) Food-contact safe; 3) Efficient production with minimal waste; 4) Fully traceable European value chain.
WoodCell™ crystalline cellulose boosts both performance and sustainability across key applications. It replaces fossil-based ingredients while improving product quality, durability, and recyclability. Paper & Packaging: 1) Higher strength and recyclability; 2) Air, oxygen, and grease barrier; 3) PFAS-free, plastic-free coatings. Coatings & Paints: 1) Better adhesion and surface quality; 2) Enables bio-based formulations; 3) Less reliance on fossil components. Energy Storage: 1) Renewable binder for batteries and supercapacitors; 2) Improved mechanical strength and conductivity; 3) Supports circular energy materials.
WoodCell™ crystalline cellulose advantages: 1) Bio-based and renewable; 2) Food-contact safe; 3) Efficient production with minimal waste; 4) Fully traceable European value chain.
WoodCell™ crystalline cellulose boosts both performance and sustainability across key applications. It replaces fossil-based ingredients while improving product quality, durability, and recyclability. Paper & Packaging: 1) Higher strength and recyclability; 2) Air, oxygen, and grease barrier; 3) PFAS-free, plastic-free coatings. Coatings & Paints: 1) Better adhesion and surface quality; 2) Enables bio-based formulations; 3) Less reliance on fossil components. Energy Storage: 1) Renewable binder for batteries and supercapacitors; 2) Improved mechanical strength and conductivity; 3) Supports circular energy materials.