Japanese paper makers to mass produce cellulose nanofiber

Japanese paper makers to mass produce cellulose nanofiber

TOKYO -- Leading Japanese paper manufacturers will mass-produce cellulose nanofiber. The plant-derived material, which is light and durable, can reduce the weight of autoparts. Analysts expect that the market for the fiber will grow to 1 trillion yen ($7.97 billion) by 2030. Once mass production helps lower costs, cellulose nanofiber is likely to be widely used.

Mixed with water, cellulose nanofiber becomes sticky.

The material is made from finely shredded plant fibers. Mixed with resin to manufacture autoparts, it will help reduce the weight of a vehicle by around 20kg. Since the material also absorbs particles, it can be used for dust filters.

Nippon Paper Industries will give a boost to the cellulose nanofiber business in October when it launches disposable diapers that eliminate odor. It is the world's first end product with cellulose nanofibers, according to the company. It also plans to build a mass production line in fiscal 2016 to increase the annual output tenfold from the current level to more than 300 tons.

Cellulose nanofiber is made by soaking wood pulp in water, clashing the materials at high speed, and causing chemical reactions that dissolve them to the nano level. Its width is as narrow as 3-4 nanometers (nano means one-billionth). Ample resources, such as trees and grasses that contain cellulose, are available.

Nippon Paper Industries got a license from the University of Tokyo and built a production facility for demonstration experiments in its Iwakuni plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture in November 2013. Having accumulated the know-how for mass production, the maker now hopes to find new uses for the fiber, including as a raw material for cosmetic products.