What problem does Cellexcel's technology solve?

Companies across the globe are seeking to move away from using materials with high levels of CO2 embedded across their lifecycles, or that contain plastics or chemicals, such as PFAS, that present end of life challenges. Industries such as packaging and construction are replacing these materials with more sustainable alternatives, such as those based on cellulose. This enables them to meet their sustainability goals, increase efficiency and comply with circular economy legislation. Cellexcel’s molecular level technology platform can accelerate this shift, enhancing cellulose performance to increase the range of viable applications, match real-world needs, reduce CO2, and replace toxic chemicals and plastics.

How does the technology work?

Cellexcel's patent pending Cellexcellent™ technology works with the cellulose substrate to introduce its property enhancing compound, binding directly to the cellulose molecule. This improves performance characteristics, notably water/liquid resistance, but also may include fire retardance and fungal prevention. As Cellexcellent™ is not a surface coating or spray, existing properties, such as recyclability, strength, and sustainability are not impacted.

Why does water resistance matter for biomaterials such as cellulose?

Natural, cellulose-based materials are renewable and recyclable, but absorb water easily. This limits the range of applications where they can be used to replace plastic unless they are then coated, often with chemicals that then prevent recycling. Building in durable water resistance without impacting other properties enables cellulose based materials to be used extensively across sectors and applications, replacing embedded materials with high levels of CO2.

How does Cellexcel work with customers and partners?

Cellexcel licenses its technology platform to partners and customers and has designed Cellexcellent™ to be easily incorporated into customer supply chains. Cellexcel partners with global speciality chemical manufacturers to produce at scale within tightly controlled quality control systems. This enables customer applications and use cases to be rapidly developed and put into global production. Cellexcellent™ is designed to work with existing manufacturing processes, wherever feasible, minimising capital expenditure and operational adjustments.

Is Cellexcellent™ environmentally friendly?

Cellexcellent™ can be manufactured predominantly from natural, plant based material. It does not require the addition of plastic films, laminates or chemicals in application. This means products remain sustainable, recyclable and compostable.

Which industries or companies is Cellexcel looking to partner with?

Improving the performance of sustainable materials supports the goals of global brands across a wide range of industries. Cellexcel extends the viability of using natural, sustainable materials into new and innovative applications. Initially, we are working with materials and product teams across the food service packaging industry to increase the water and liquid resistance of sustainable packaging, removing the need to add non-recyclable or potentially toxic coatings and negate the need for PFAS and AKD. Our technology platform also meets requirements in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, textiles and coatings, helping them use sustainable paper, wood, flax, and hemp to replace plastic with natural alternatives that can perform at high levels.

Are Cellexcellent™ materials recyclable?

Yes! Our wet moulded fibre products scored 100% recyclability from DS Smith’s Recyclability Evaluation Service. Due to the low inclusion levels required of our Cellexcellent™ additive, results show that treated materials retain their recyclability and gain water resistance.

FAQs Archive - Cellexcel

Get in touch

If you’d like to know more about Cellexcel and our manufacturing process, fill in the form below or email us at .

Email us

Visit Us

Norwich Research Park,
The Enterprise Centre,
University of East Anglia,
Norwich, NR4 7TJ

Get directions →

Water resistance bonded into natural materials at the molecular level.

Address

Norwich Research Park,
The Enterprise Centre,
University of East Anglia,
Norwich, NR4 7TJ

Contact

Get in touch with the team

Legal

Terms & Conditions of website use
Privacy / Cookie Policy

Norwich Research Park · United Kingdom