FPInnovations and Domtar have announced that their joint venture established in July 2010 will be named CelluForce, which will produce and commercialize nanocrystalline cellulose, a renewable and recyclable nanomaterial.
The name ‘CelluForce’ reflects from where the nanomaterial originated i.e. from tree cellulose and also one of the important characteristic of the nanomaterial. Nanocrystalline cellulose will be produced in a large-scale industrial facility utilizing advanced technology.
The facility is being constructed at the same location as the pulp and paper mill of Domtar in Windsor, Quebec. It is expected to start production in 2012 first quarter. A team of dedicated workers will manage the operations of the facility.
The President and Chief Executive Officer at Domtar, John D. Williams stated that CelluForce forms a new collaboration to develop a novel technology in expanding markets. The company’s extensive production expertise will assist the production of a renewable nanomaterial that originates from trees similar to paper, he added. The company will then develop new uses for its market pulp.
According to Pierre Lapointe, who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer at FPInnovations, the collaboration between Domtar and FPInnovations will continue their efforts to develop new market areas and commercial applications for nanocrystalline cellulose or NCC. The company will continue to develop feasible and advanced solutions to assure the transformation and competitiveness of the forestry industry in Canada, he added.