Joint venture for cellulose filaments could lead to more sustainable cosmetic ingredients
The research and development joint venture has been formed with Resolute and Mercer International to develop commercial applications for cellulose filaments that are expected to cover a wide range of consumer goods, including cosmetics and personal care.
The new source for the cellulose filaments will be a sustainable biomaterials derived from wood fiber that is said to primarily improve the strength and durability of many consumer goods applications.
Wood is the renewable secret behind the initiative
"Today's launch highlights our ongoing effort to drive innovation in the forest products industry," said Richard Garneau, President and Chief Executive Officer.
"Resolute will provide funding and expertise to Performance BioFilaments, supporting the venture's research and development capabilities that aim to bring sustainable products to a broad spectrum of industries."
The alternative to cellulose filaments is invariably reinforcement fibers that are made from non-renewable petroleum sources, which is where the biomaterial-based cellulose filaments can provide significantly improved sustainability credentials.
Furthermore, the companies claim that the more sustainable cellulose filament option also has similar performance qualities to the synthetic petroleum-based reinforcement fiber options.
Comparable qualities to unsustainable alternatives
"The strength of cellulose filaments can be compared to that of synthetic reinforcement fibers made from non-renewable petroleum inputs," said Gurminder Minhas, managing director of Performance BioFilaments.
"The difference is that cellulose filaments are entirely renewable, with a very low carbon footprint. We're thrilled to debut this company with the launch of this kind of revolutionary product."
Performance BioFilaments markets its cellulose filaments as rheology modifiers that can be used in the formulation of a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products.
Principally rheology modifiers are used as thickeners in cosmetics, in the form of viscous liquids that serve to either thicken or solidify a formulation, while they can also be used as a stabilizers for certain emulsions.
