Emerging Applications of Nanocellulose Technology (TechVision)

 22.01.2017 10:22:15

Emerging Applications of Nanocellulose Technology (TechVision)
Emergence of bio-based nanomaterials for a sustainable future

May 18, 2016, 19:48 ET

NEW YORK, May 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The nanocellulose market has the potential to span many different industries that can be categorized as high volume and low volume applications. In order to be successful in nanocellulose business there must be a consistent supply of material that can be delivered in a cost-effective manner for the target application. Manufactures worldwide are approaching a reality for widespread use of nanocellulose by adopting a number of strategic steps including production capacity extension, joint research and development for new product or technology design and etc. As capacity increases the market for nanocellulose is expected to grow in paper, plastics, automobile, and other specialty applications

Research Scope
Nanocellulose (NC)-unique and promising natural nano-sized materials extracted from native cellulose-has gained much industrial attention in recent years for use in a wide array of industries including automotive, aerospace, packaging, personal care, pharmaceutical, and medical. Due to its exceptional chemical and mechanical properties, many NC materials-both nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)-are being tested for large-scale commercialization in different applications. Increasing interest from end users and rising demand for high-quality, low-cost NC materials are expected to result in multiple NC production facilities globally by 2020.

This research service focuses on the advances, innovations, and emerging opportunities in NC technologies, with a primary focus on high-volume applications including cement, automotive bodies and interiors, paper and packaging coatings, paper and packaging fillers, plastic packaging and plastic film replacements, hygiene and absorbent products, and textiles for clothing. NC for low volume and other emerging applications have not been analyzed in details.

The study includes market potential of NC materials as a whole and its market share in high volume applications. Finally, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-based evaluation has been performed to identify the best potential high-volume application areas for NC technologies.

The following topics are covered:
- Technology snapshot, market potential, and technology trends
- Innovations and their market impact
- Market drivers and challenges that will affect growth of NC technologies
- Recent innovations
- Emerging business models
- Emerging market opportunities
- Patents and industry contacts encompassing technology developers, product developers, researchers, and industry experts

Key Findings
1 Nanocellulose (NC) materials are gaining acceptance in various industries but are still in the nascent stage of market and technology development. Producers are focused on high-volume applications such as paper, packaging, automotive, and coatings, primarily to accelerate demand and ramp up current pilot-scale production facilities into
large-scale capacities of at least metric tonnes annually.

2 Consumer awareness and the trend of using more bio-based materials are the main drivers for NC technologies. Current NC materials' performance and cost have been proven to be better than conventional counterparts. Still, challenges such as the need for energy-efficient production and product compatibility must be addressed for higher
market penetration and continued growth.

3 The NC market generated revenue of around $ million in 2015. Materials are primarily in demand for research. Upon successful testing and commercialization, revenue is expected to reach $ million by 2020, at a CAGR of %. Packaging coatings sector represents the largest potential market share of the NC market in short term
followed by its use in automotive body and as replacement of plastic packaging

4 The NC market generated revenue of around $ million in 2015. Materials are primarily in demand for research. Upon successful testing and commercialization, revenue is expected to reach $ million by 2020, at a CAGR of %. Packaging coatings sector represents the largest potential market share of the NC market in short term followed by its use in automotive body and as replacement of plastic packaging

5 NA leads in terms of both research and development (R&D) advances in NC materials and its early adoption in niche application sectors. So far, the greatest effect has been found in both Canadian and US pulp and paper industry. Companies from Nordic countries in Europe and Japan have also made significant technology advances. As a result,
several new NC-based products and materials are on the way to capture the global market

6 For short term, high volume application sectors such as cement, automotive bodies and interiors, paper and packaging coatings, paper and packaging fillers, plastic packaging and plastic films, hygiene and absorbent products, and textiles would observe high adoption opportunities for NC materials and technologies. Enabling technologies such as three dimensional (3D) printing, impregnation and computational technologies will play significant role on adoption and commercialization of NC based products

7 Technology developer and end user opinions vary about NC demand in the short term. An analytic hierarchy process evaluation found that automotive would be the most lucrative application area for end users dealing with NC materials. This is followed by its use in packaging and paper sectors in their multiple sub application areas.