Finding viable alternatives to fossil-based materials in the chemical and material industries is challenging due to price limitations and the performance of available bio-based products. However, cellulose-based materials from woody biomass present a promising pathway to replace global dependence on fossil-based chemicals. These materials are sustainable, recyclable, and non-toxic, making them a game-changer for various industries.

CBE JU funded WOODCELL project, led by Fibenol, will lead the way to offer sustainable solutions with novel bio-based materials. WOODCELL aims to revolutionize the production of micro-scale specialty cellulose (MCC), leveraging Fibenol’s unique Sunburst pre-treatment-based production process at the SWEETWOODS flagship plant. This process utilizes residual and low-quality hardwood to produce lignin and wood sugars, forming novel bio-based primary raw materials for the materials and chemical industries.

What is the WOODCELL Project?

WOODCELL focuses on scaling up the production of Fibenol´s specialty cellulose (MCC), a low-carbon natural bio-based material with unique properties. The MCC serves as a strength additive and rheology modifier in various products, including in construction materials (such as concrete, paints and adhesives), paper and packaging, energy storage (battery production), and road construction materials. The project aims to collaborate across value chains towards more sustainable solutions by replacing fossil-based chemicals with low CO2 bio-based alternatives.

“Our goal is to gradually transform the world into a more sustainable and bio-based place. By scaling up our specialty cellulose stream in collaboration with our partners, we can create new pathways that contribute significantly to the ocean of sustainability,” explains Gert Preegel, Fibenol MCC Sales Engineer.

Partners and Collaborators

  • Fibenol will coordinate the WOODCELL consortium, collaborating with esteemed partners from across Europe:
  • DS Smith Paper (UK)
  • Coatex (France)
  • Skeleton Technologies (Finland)
  • RISE (Sweden)
  • EPFL (Switzerland)
  • HES-SO Valais-Wallis (Switzerland)
  • LIST (Luxembourg)
  • Foreko (Estonia)
 

Project Details

  • Duration: June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2029
  • CBE JU contribution: 16,6 million euros EU-grant
  • Location: Expansion of Fibenol’s development plant in Imavere, Estonia
 

Raw Materials and Sustainability

WOODCELL will utilize certified low-value and residual wood, specifically birch, which is currently used for energy production, originating from Estonia. This resource-efficient zero-waste approach process ensures sustainable utilization of biomass aligning with circular economy principles.
 

Technology and Innovation

The project builds on Fibenol’s pioneering Sunburst technology and the completed SWEETWOODS flagship project. WOODCELL will expand Fibenol’s product portfolio on an industrial scale, which already includes wood sugars and lignin, by introducing specialty cellulose.
 

Market and Applications

WOODCELL’s products will cater to a range of industries:
  • Paper and Packaging: partnering with DS Smith Paper, Europe’s largest recycler of used paper.
  • Rheology Modifiers: collaborating with Coatex, part of the Arkema Group, to enhance products in paints, paper coatings and construction materials.
  • Energy Storage: working with Skeleton Technologies, aiming to support their super-battery products.

Job Creation

WOODCELL will create up to ten new skilled jobs at Fibenol’s Imavere plant, contributing to local economic growth and sustainability.

The WOODCELL project represents a significant step forward towards a sustainable society, demonstrating how innovative technology and collaboration can transform value chains and reduce global dependence on fossil-based materials. With Fibenol at the helm, the future of bio-based materials looks promising.

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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