Jun 17 2013
UPM and Ashland Inc. have entered into a cooperative agreement to develop and commercialize products containing UPM’s Biofibrils technology.
UPM Biofibrils are micro and nanofibrillated cellulose products that can be used for shaping materials and giving them new characteristics. In the biofibrils collaboration UPM and Ashland will jointly study the use of biofibrils in a wide range of industrial application opportunities. For example, biofibrils might be used to improve the quality and performance of a broad array of polymer products ranging from coatings and construction materials to home and car care products as well as energy drilling applications.
The collaboration marks a milestone for two companies with extensive expertise in cellulose technology. UPM has pursued research and development of biofibrils technology for several years and has a large portfolio of patent applications and production experience. Ashland has its own research and patents in microfibrillar cellulose technology.
“Our collaborative relationship with UPM provides an excellent opportunity to combine the UPM Biofibrils technology with Ashland’s application expertise in order to bring new products and functionalities to our customers. When we combine our strengths and know-how with experts offering new technologies that complement our product lines, we can deliver value-added performance to our customers”, says May Shana’a, Vice President, Technology and Growth Strategy, Ashland Specialty Ingredients.
UPM Biofibrils technology is a result of a long-term research and development commitment. Cornerstones of UPM’s Biofore strategy are the versatile use of renewable wood biomass combined with innovation and sustainability.
“UPM Biofibrils is a novel biomaterial that allows development of new fibre-based products with exciting properties for the UPM product portfolio. The collaboration with Ashland’s global development team enables further development and commercialization of UPM Biofibrils in several industrial applications”, says Esa Laurinsilta, Director, UPM Biofibrils.