Nanollose, a technology company from Australia, can make microbial cellulose and other fibers in a more sustainable way using fermentation. Waste streams, in the form of food waste, provide a sugar source to the fermentation process, which results in a circular approach to manufacturing.

Rayon, which is a manmade fiber made from regenerated cellulose was first made in the early 1900’s. It had a similar feel and texture to other natural fibers such as silk and cotton.

Cellulosic fibers come from wood pulp derived from trees. Rayon is made by chemically converting wood pulp into a soluble compound, which is then dissolved and forced through a spinneret (similar to a shower head) to produce filaments. These are chemically solidified, resulting in fibers of nearly pure cellulose.

Today, rayon production is unsustainable. The two main problems associated with rayon production are:

1. The manufacturing process uses toxic chemicals, including sulfuric acid and carbon disulfide.
2. The on going clear-cutting of old growth forests to provide the wood pulp are having a terrible impact on the planet.

Some cellulosic fibers, such as Tencel®, use a sustainable closed-loop manufacturing process and only harvest Forest Stewardship Council Certified wood. In fact Tencel® is one of the most sustainable fibers available today thanks to Lenzing, the parent company’s on-going commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Other sustainable fibers such as Refibra™ by Lenzing, and Bionic yarn are also gaining momentum in the industry.

Canopy, a Candian NGO is committed to protecting endangered forests and are working with the forest industry’s biggest customers and their suppliers, such as rayon producers, to develop business solutions that protect endangered forests.

Nanollose has the potential to turn rayon production on its head! The company can make fabric from microbial cellulose derived from coconut husks, which would otherwise be bound for the landfill.

How does it work?

Nanollose technologies use industrial organic agricultural waste and the natural process of fermentation to grow plant-free microbial nano cellulose.

Microbial cellulose consists of nano-sized fibers produced via fermentation, using a non-infectious bacterium called Acetobacter xylinum. Sugar from food waste provides the food source for fermentation.

The pure microbial cellulose pulp is then made into useful rayon type fibers via extrusion.

How is microbial cellulose sustainable?

There are four main reasons why this innovation is rather extraordinary and has the potential to transform the industry.

1. It does not involve the felling of trees or require the use of arable land, therefore it is not competing with agriculture.
2. The production of microbial cellulose does not need water or pesticides.
3. Sugar, the raw material required for fermentation, is obtained from food and beverage waste, thus diverting waste from the landfill.
4. Microbial cellulose has an incredibly high yield when compared to other types of cellulose and can be produced very quickly, in approximately 10 days, unlike bamboo, cotton and trees that grow much more slowly.

Impacts to your business?

Questions to consider:

• Is your company seeking safer alternatives to rayon?
• Do you have visibility into your sourcing supply chain?

For help with any issue associated with sustainability and chemicals, contact Amanda Cattermole at (415) 412 8406 or Amanda@cattermoleconsulting.com. We can help you develop powerful solutions to protect your company and brand reputation, which will result in safer products manufactured in cleaner supply chains.

Tips and Insights contains information to help you make informed chemical management decisions. Each post highlights a particular topic and includes questions you may want to consider for your business.