Plastics have long dominated thermoforming, but their environmental cost is hard to ignore. RISE, Sweden’s research and innovation institute, is exploring how WoodCell Specialty Cellulose could offer a cleaner, smarter alternative.

Why (specialty) cellulose? WoodCell Specialty Cellulose, produced by Fibenol, brings clear performance benefits: higher stiffness and elongation, and potential as a primer layer in barrier constructions. In other words, strength, protection, and surface performance from wood.

The process challenge: Lab results do not mean much if the production line slows down. That is why RISE is asking the practical question: can WoodCell Specialty Cellulose be added without reducing dewatering speed, extending drying, or cutting efficiency? If the answer is yes, cellulose-based thermoforming becomes more than a concept, it becomes viable at scale.

“The WoodCell project gives the industry the opportunity to scale up and implement new innovations. Understanding the challenge in practice is the key to finding a solution. For example, we are investigating how and where to apply WoodCell Specialty Cellulose in the process. Done right, it can be introduced to the production process without major effects on the production speed, while adding performance value or reducing cost. ”

Dino Muhic, Senior Business Developer and Sales Executive, Bioeconomy, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

The environmental upside
 RISE highlights two big opportunities:
  1. Circularity: reducing reliance on petroleum-based inputs and avoiding plastic pollution
  2. Efficiency: using less fibreswhile maintaining strength
What WoodCell Project makes possible? The WoodCell project gives Fibenol and RISE a platform to test and evaluate key uncertainties in industrial applications, such as process speed and the effect of Specialty Cellulose on product performance, across both thermoforming and paperboard applications. In recent months, the project has enabled testing of how WoodCell Specialty Cellulose performs in thermoforming, as well as where and how it can be applied for maximum effect. Done right, this means faster processes, lower costs, and new product opportunities. We look forward to seeing where the testing and innovations will take us.

WoodCell™ Crystalline Cellulose

A renewable, high-purity cellulose made from lower-quality hardwood,  built to replace fossil-based additives in packaging, coatings, and energy materials.

Where WoodCell™ makes a difference

WoodCell™ crystalline cellulose boosts both performance and sustainability across key applications.

It replaces fossil-based ingredients while improving product quality, durability, and recyclability.

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