ENCE launches research project on production of nanocellulose
Type of post: NEWS.
The nanocellulose is one of the most promising
materials of the bieconomy arena (see Nanocellulose
biorefineries – A biomaterial with unparalleled perspectives). Paper and
pulp companies do not want to miss the opportunity to extend their range of high
value projects and initiate the transition of their plants towards models of
integrated biorefineries and forest bioeconomy. In this sense, ENCE has started
an ambitious project in its Pontevedra mill to enter that market (see press release in Spanish, 15/3/2018).
Figure 1. The pulp mill of ENCE in Pontevedra.
It will house the main activities of the NOVACELL project.
The initiative is called NOVACELL and will
enable to develop and start a pilot plant to optimize the process of
manufacturing of micro and nanoparticles of cellulose. The table below
summarizes the information available for now about the project.
Name
|
Research
of new generations of micro and nanoparticles of cellulose for their use in
strategic industrial products (NOVACELL).
|
Goal
|
Production
of nanocellulose for its use in:
- polyurethane
adhesives,
- textile
coatings and polyurethane foams,
-
composites and high-value pipes,
- special
papers (low-weight, hydrophobic),
- composites y tuberías de alto valor añadido,
- encapsulation
for active ingredients in cosmetics,
- food packaging,
- filtration
membranes for wastewater treatment.
|
Call
|
National Strategic
Programme of Partnerships of Enterprise-based Research of the Centre for the Development
of Industrial Technology (CDTI).
|
Investment
|
About 5.5 M€.
|
Employment effect
|
91 high-skilled
jobs direct and indirect (recruitment of well-qualified scientific-technical staff).
|
Leader
|
ENCE Energía y Celulosa
|
Partnership
|
Companies:
- Cromogenia
- CETEC
- Miquel y Costas
- Infinitec
- ABN
- Hidroquimia
- Coopbox
Technological centres:
- CETIM
- LEITAT
- ITENE
- Universidad de Valladolid
- CTAG
|
