New Drying Technology Advances Cellulose Nanocrystal (CNC) Production and Efficiency

With their remarkable properties and potential to drive bio-based innovation in the food and food-contact packaging industries, Vireo has been at the forefront of assessing and demonstrating the safety of nanocellulose (NC) materials. Among these, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are particularly useful in providing reinforcement and barrier properties in food packaging, as well as emulsifying and stabilizing foods. 

A recently published study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University addresses one of the challenges CNC commercialization: the drying process. The researchers have developed a novel multi-frequency, multimode, modulated (MMM) ultrasonic drying prototype to address the high-energy, inefficient step of drying CNC suspensions. Published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, their findings demonstrate that their prototype reduced the drying time by 50% compared to conventional hot air drying, reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions, improved product quality, and increased the production rate. This technology can even reach net zero emissions through the use of renewable energy sources. 

As a company committed to bringing sustainable technologies to market, we are excited to see advancements that contribute to the broader adoption of CNCs and other biobased materials. We look forward to supporting further innovations in NC materials by ensuring they meet safety, sustainability, and regulatory standards.