Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

In recent years, Kruger has invested millions in technology based on cellulose filaments (CF). Since, the abilities of this new bio-based product to increase the strength of several paper products were confirmed. In 2014, Kruger and his new division, Kruger Biomaterials, even built the first demonstration plant in the world to produce these filaments. Currently, Kruger Biomaterials CF product is only available in super bags at low solid content so an important part of the bag weight is water. Dehydration of the CF while maintaining the ability to remoisturize them without losing their reinforcement power will be an important advantage, especially in a context of exportation or long-term conservation. Manufacturing a thin film from could match the most elegant way to dry the CF while providing another additional opportunity: to design new materials by exploiting the CF film properties, alone or by laminating it with other paper products. Kruger has a need to perform trials on a pilot paper machine in order to determine functionality and optimum performance parameters for the manufacture of CF film with a conventional paper machine. Innofibre has the capability and the equipment to perform those trials and studies. The CF film offers to Kruger the opportunity to supply its 21 mills and sales offices in North America. Kruger will reinforce its competitive position against other similar plants in the world by value added obtained with the use of CF. Kruger sees also a good opportunity for Canada to take the lead in this technology.