The Global Nanofibrillated Cellulose (NFC) Market was valued at USD 218.33 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 350.33 million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.20% during the forecast period. This growth is being driven by increasing demand for sustainable materials, growing applications in composites and packaging, and the accelerating adoption of Bio-based Nanomaterials solutions across pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, and personal care sectors.
As the global materials industry transforms toward sustainable production and circular economy principles, the spotlight is on the key NFC producers who are driving innovation, performance enhancements, and eco-friendly material pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Nanofibrillated Cellulose Industry—a mix of pulp & paper giants, specialty chemical manufacturers, and bio-nanomaterial pioneers shaping the future of advanced sustainable materials.
🔟 1. Celluforce
Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Key Offering: Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC), Nanofibrillated Cellulose suspensions
Celluforce is recognized as a global pioneer in cellulose nanocrystal production, operating one of the world’s first commercial-scale CNC facilities. Their advanced nanomaterials division serves industries ranging from automotive composites to biomedical applications, with substantial investments in high-performance NFC formulations.
Innovation Initiatives:
- World’s first commercial CNC production plant
- NFC-enhanced composites for automotive and aerospace
- Developing transparent films and barrier coatings for packaging
Download FREE Sample Report: Global Nanofibrillated Cellulose (NFC) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Borregaard
Headquarters: Sarpsborg, Norway
Key Offering: Exilva® Fibrillated Cellulose, Biovanillin
Borregaard operates one of the world’s most advanced biorefineries, producing high-value specialty cellulose and bio-based chemicals. Their Exilva® product line represents one of the most developed commercial NFC platforms available today.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Industrial-scale production of microfibrillated cellulose
- Sustainable production from certified wood raw materials
8️⃣ 3. Nippon Paper Industries
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: NFC gels, NFC powders, Composite formulations
Nippon Paper has established itself as a leader in cellulose nanofiber development, particularly focusing on automotive and packaging applications through its strategic partnerships.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Mass production of cellulose nanofibers for automotive parts
- Development of NFC-based transparent films and food packaging
7️⃣ 4. Oji Paper
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: NFC dispersions, NFC masterbatches
Oji Paper has made substantial investments in NFC production capacity, particularly targeting the substitution of petroleum-based materials in various industrial applications.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Large-scale NFC production facilities
- Strategic alliances with automotive manufacturers for lightweight components
Download FREE Sample Report: Global Nanofibrillated Cellulose (NFC) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Stora Enso
Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Cellulose Fibril Foam, NFC-reinforced biocomposites
Stora Enso has developed a comprehensive portfolio of cellulose-based nanomaterials, including their innovative cellulose fibril foam for cushioning applications.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Development of 3D-formable cellulose foam
- Pilot production of NFC for packaging and construction materials
5️⃣ 6. University of Maine
Headquarters: Orono, Maine, USA
Key Offering: NFC research, Pilot-scale production
The University of Maine’s Process Development Center operates one of North America’s largest pilot plants for cellulose nanofiber production, serving as a crucial R&D hub for the global NFC industry.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Pioneering research in cellulose nanocomposites
- Technology transfer and licensing for commercial NFC production
4️⃣ 7. Sappi
Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Key Offering: NFC research, Technical consulting
The University of Maine has been instrumental in advancing NFC technology through extensive research programs and industry collaborations, focusing on scalable production methods and diverse application development.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Development of high-performance cellulose microfibers
- Collaborative projects with industry partners for commercialization
3️⃣ 8. The US Forest Service
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
Key Offering: NFC research partnerships, Pilot production services
The US Forest Service drives fundamental research in cellulose nanomaterials, particularly focusing on agricultural residue utilization and sustainable production pathways.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Fundamental research on cellulose structure and properties
- Development of sustainable production methods for NFC
2️⃣ 9. American Process
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: GreenBox+ technology, BioPlus nanocellulose
American Process, Inc. developed the AVAP® technology for the production of biofuels and sustainable chemicals including nanofibrillated cellulose.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Integrated biorefinery approach to NFC production
- Development of cost-effective production processes for cellulose nanomaterials
Innovation Initiatives:
- Proprietary AVAP® technology platform
- Focus on lignocellulosic biomass conversion to value-added products
1️⃣ 10. Kruger Biomaterials
Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Key Offering: NFC research, Process developmentThe US Forest Service conducts extensive research on forest biomass utilization and cellulose nanomaterial development, contributing significantly to the fundamental science underpinning NFC applications.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Focus on value-added forest products including nanocellulose
- Development of sustainable cellulose nanofiber production methods
Innovation Initiatives:
- Research on cellulose nanofiber reinforced biocomposites
- Development of sustainable production pathways for NFC from various biomass sources
Get Full Report Here: Global Nanofibrillated Cellulose (NFC) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Nanofibrillated Cellulose Is High-Performance and Sustainable
The nanofibrillated cellulose market is undergoing a transformative evolution. While traditional applications in paper processing remain significant, the industry is increasingly focusing on advanced composite materials, specialized coatings, and functional additives across multiple industries.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
- Growing demand for sustainable packaging materials globally
- Increasing adoption of bio-based composites in automotive and construction sectors
- Regulatory support for green materials and circular economy initiatives
- Continuous R&D investment in novel NFC applications and production technologies
Get Full Report Here: Global Nanofibrillated Cellulose (NFC) Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies listed above are not only producing advanced nanomaterials—they’re spearheading the sustainable materials transition across global industries.
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