CelluForce inaugurates NanoCrystalline Cellulose demonstration plant in Quebec, Canada

Jan 26, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. CelluForce officially inaugurated the world’s first NanoCrystalline Cellulose (NCC) demonstration plant at the Domtar pulp and paper mill site in Windsor, Quebec, Canada, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. CelluForce is ramping up its production of NCC with a target of reaching a 1,000 kg (1 metric ton) per day production rate in 2012. Trials integrating NCC into the manufacturing process of different products are currently taking place through technical collaboration agreements between CelluForce and 15 companies based in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia in four main industrial sectors: paints and coatings, films and barriers, textiles, and composites. Plant construction extended over a 14-month period and was completed on time. The Canadian and Québec governments made a significant contribution to the financing of the $36 million plant with $23.2 million coming from Natural Resources Canada (Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program and Transformative Technologies Program) and $10.2 million from Québec’s Natural Resources and Wildlife Department. Jean Moreau, President and CEO of CelluForce, declared: “This is the stellar result of the winning combination of Domtar’s operational expertise with FPInnovations’ technical and scientific knowledge to develop an effective manufacturing process for NanoCrystalline Cellulose. Governments were receptive to our project, which was in line with their innovation and forestry industry strategies, while our enthusiastic employees were thrilled to participate in such a unique and innovative initiative.” “Our investment in the CelluForce project is part of a larger story at Domtar around unlocking greater value from wood fiber,” added John D. Williams, Domtar President and CEO. “We are thrilled to be partners in this world-class venture that aligns so squarely with our business growth objective to become a global leader in fiber innovation.” Pierre Lapointe, President and CEO of FPInnovations stated that “This is a significant milestone in Canadian innovation history. We have demonstrated that through investment in public-private partnerships, Canada is taking a leadership position in developing and deploying game changing innovations, such as NCC, to help the transformation of the forest industry and to create wealth for Canadians.” NCC is an advanced material derived from wood fibre that improves the strength, durability and toughness of products. It can reduce damage caused by wear, abrasion and light. CelluForce is the world leader in the commercial development of NanoCrystalline Cellulose (NCC). The company is a joint venture of Domtar Corporation and FPInnovations. CelluForce manufactures NCC in the world’s first plant of its kind, located in Windsor, Québec, develops new applications for it, markets and sells it.