Nippon Paper Industries' Cellulose Nanofiber Production from wood pulp

Date:25 April 2017

Country: Japan

Application

• Production of functional sheets for products like diapers and skin care items.
• Development of cellulose nanofiber for use in additives, composites, and food/cosmetics applications.

Description

Nippon Paper Industries has developed the world's largest cellulose nanofiber (CNF) production facility at its Ishinomaki Mill, with an annual capacity of 500 tons. The CNF is produced through the TEMPO catalytic oxidation method, resulting in highly transparent, nano-dispersed fibers. These fibers are being used in a variety of products, including functional sheets for adult diapers and skin care items. The company is expanding CNF applications in industries such as food, cosmetics, and nano-composite materials, accelerating commercialization across multiple sectors.

 

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves the TEMPO catalytic oxidation method to chemically treat wood pulp. This treatment produces cellulose nanofiber (CNF) with uniform fiber widths of 3 to 4 nm. The CNF is then used for a range of industrial applications, including functional sheets with antibacterial and deodorizing properties. This process enhances the development and commercialization of CNF for products like skin care items and reinforced resins.