Sustainable Manufacturing Process of Micro-Fibrillated Cellulose

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FiberLean Technologies is the leading global producer of Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC) that can typically replace 10-15% natural fiber. The innovative FiberLean MFC enables paper makers to reduce their raw material costs, to innovate, and to develop new differentiated products. FiberLean MFC has also proven its great potential in the packaging sector with improved performance and less material being used. During the manufacturing process of Micro-Fibrillated Cellulose (MFC), grinding media (beads of mm/cm diameter) is used to break down pulp into MFC. We aim to establish a thorough understanding of the manufacturing process as a function of the formulation, with a particular focus on the interactions between the grinding media. The potential benefits are the following:reduced consumption of grinding mediaimproved energy efficiency for the grinding processenhanced product propertiesDue to the complex nature of the formulation, we plan to break down the system and investigate a series of variables. The learning outcome will enable our industrial to optimise the manufacturing process of MFC so as to improve the overall sustainability of the process.Under the broad umbrella of the Centre for Formulation Engineering, this multi-disciplinary project is part of an extensive collaboration between FiberLean and UoB where multiple doctoral researchers will work closely.