Cellulose filaments (CF) are derived from wood that has been processed mechanically through thermomechanical pulping.

The very thin filaments are extracted using a mechanical process that requires no chemicals or enzymes. They are extremely strong, flexible and light, and have a unique bonding capacity that makes them an exceptional reinforcement additive. 

Cellulose filaments have the potential to radically transform Canada’s forest sector by revolutionizing the properties of pulp and associated products.

In addition to the immediate opportunities for CF to improve existing pulp, paper and packaging products, they have great potential for use in new products including bioplastics, adhesives, as well as paints and other coatings.

The process for extracting CF from wood pulp fibre was developed by FPInnovations, which piloted the use of the material in pre-commercial applications at its Pointe-Claire, Quebec, facilities. Based on the success of that pilot, and with funding provided by Natural Resources Canada in partnership with Investissement Quebec, Quebec’s ministère des Ressources naturelles and the Government of British Columbia, Kruger has constructed a world-first CF production and demonstration plant at its pulp mill in Trois-Rivières to produce material that can be used in the development of traditional and non-traditional applications.

Natural Resources Canada invested $15 million in the facility under its Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program, complementing earlier federal investments in research and development undertaken by FPInnovations.

For more information, visit the Canadian Forest Service website.

Media may contact: 

Alexandra Lemieux
Office of the Minister 
Natural Resources Canada and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario 
Ottawa 
613-996-2007

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa