Cellulose nanofiber producers and product developers in Japan

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) possess many excellent properties, including high strength, lightweight, gas barrier and low thermal expansion. They are environmentally friendly, lightweight, renewable, safe, and biodegradable.

Japan is at the forefront of global technology and application development in cellulose nanofibers (CNF). Government ministries, over 200 companies and major universities are conducting extensive R&D in the field.

Major paper and chemicals producers have established multi-ton production facilities and there are now numerous CNF products on the market, with more to come in 2019 in high-strength automotive composites and sporting goods; and materials for construction.

To 2017, CNF was produced on the lab scale and at pilot plants with companies supplying sample materials to OEMs. From 2017,  paper and chemical producers have established mass manufacturing plants for commercial production of CNF using the following methods:

• TEMPO-mediated oxidation
• Physical aqueous counter collision (ACC)
• Kyoto process

Production capacities increased to up to 700 tons per annum with several companies also possessing pilot plants with capacities up to 100 tons. As a result, CNF is being integrated into a broader range of products.

Published March 1 2019 | 70 pages

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………………………. 10

• 1.1     Production capacities in Japan………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10
• 1.2     Market trends in Japan………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
• 1.3     Japan cellulose nanofibers market size…………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
  • 1.3.1       The market for cellulose nanofibers in 2017 in Japan…………………………………………………………… 12
  • 1.3.2       The market for cellulose nanofibers in Japan 2018………………………………………………………………. 13
  • 1.3.3       Market volume and revenues for CNF in Japan…………………………………………………………………… 14
  • 1.3.4       Target markets for producers in Japan……………………………………………………………………………… 16

2    CELLULOSE NANOFIBER PRODUCER AND PRODUCT DEVELOPERS IN JAPAN…………………………………………………………… 19-70 (43 producer profiles)

3    REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………. 71

TABLES

• Table 1: Japan CNF producer capacities 2018………………………………………………………………………………………… 10
• Table 2: Market trends in cellulose nanofibers in Japan…………………………………………………………………………….. 11
• Table 3: Market for CNF in Japan 2017-2018 and estimated to 2030, revenues and volume (Tons)…………………….. 14
• Table 4: Target markets for cellulose nanofiber producers and product developers in Japan……………………………… 16
• Table 5: Oji Holdings CNF products………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 53

FIGURES

• Figure 1: Cellulose nanofiber transparent sheet………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
• Figure 2: Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) composite with polyethylene (PE)…………………………………………………………. 12
• Figure 3: CNF products……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
• Figure 4: XCNF………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
• Figure 5: Asahi Kasei CNF fabric sheet…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20
• Figure 6: Properties of Asahi Kasei cellulose nanofiber nonwoven fabric……………………………………………………….. 20
• Figure 7: CNF nonwoven fabric……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 21
• Figure 8: Ashai Kasei CNF production process……………………………………………………………………………………….. 22
• Figure 9. Chuetsu Pulp & Paper CNF production process………………………………………………………………………….. 24
• Figure 10. Daicel Corporation CNF production process……………………………………………………………………………… 26
• Figure 11. CNF-reinforced PP compounds……………………………………………………………………………………………… 28
• Figure 12. Kirekira! toilet wipes……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 29
• Figure 13. Daio Paper CNF production process……………………………………………………………………………………….. 30
• Figure 14. DIC Products CNF production process……………………………………………………………………………………. 32
• Figure 15: Rheocrysta spray……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 34
• Figure 16. DKS Co. Ltd. CNF production process…………………………………………………………………………………….. 34
• Figure 17: CNF gel……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 38
• Figure 18: Block nanocellulose material…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 38
• Figure 19: CNF products developed by Hokuetsu…………………………………………………………………………………….. 39
• Figure 20: Engine cover utilizing Kao CNF composite resins………………………………………………………………………. 40
• Figure 21: 0.3% aqueous dispersion of sulfated esterified CNF and dried transparent film (front side)…………………. 41
• Figure 22: Hydrophobization facilities for raw pulp……………………………………………………………………………………. 46
• Figure 23: Mixing facilities for CNF-reinforced plastic………………………………………………………………………………… 46
• Figure 24. Nippon Paper CNF production process……………………………………………………………………………………. 48
• Figure 25: Nippon Paper Industries’ adult diapers…………………………………………………………………………………….. 49
• Figure 26: CNF wet powder………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 50
• Figure 27: CNF transparent film…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 50
• Figure 28: Transparent CNF sheets………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 51
• Figure 29. Oji Paper CNF production process…………………………………………………………………………………………. 52
• Figure 30: Fluorene cellulose ® powder…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 54
• Figure 31. Seiko PMC CNF production process……………………………………………………………………………………….. 58
• Figure 32: Rubber soles incorporating CNF……………………………………………………………………………………………. 59
• Figure 33: Silk nanofiber (right) and cocoon of raw material……………………………………………………………………….. 61
• Figure 34. BiNFi-s Dry Powder…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 61
• Figure 35. BiNFi-s Dry Powder and Propylene (PP) Complex Pellet…………………………………………………………….. 62
• Figure 36. Sugino Machine CNF production process………………………………………………………………………………… 63
• Figure 37: Silver / CNF composite dispersions………………………………………………………………………………………… 67
• Figure 38: CNF/nanosilver powder……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 67
• Figure 39: Comparison of weight reduction effect using CNF……………………………………………………………………… 68
• Figure 40: CNF resin products…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 69