Biomaterials
Since a new tree can be grown where a mature tree has been harvested, wood is an ideal natural resource for biomaterials. This biomass cycle continually sequesters carbon dioxide.
Biomaterials Overview
Traditionally the papermaking process has only used approximately half of the raw wood material to manufacture pulp and paper products. The balance of the raw material is used to generate energy to power the mill or to sell into the electricity grid. Sappi is, however, developing new processes and biomaterials which extract more value from each tree and supports our business strategy to move into new and adjacent markets.
Sappi’s innovative technology enables us to derive specialty chemicals and food ingredients from the parts of the tree which are not used for papermaking. These high-performance products often displace non-sustainable oil-based alternatives.
Fibrillated Cellulose
With Valida we use innovative technology to contribute to a thriving world through reliable and relevant solutions by extracting more value from each tree. Produced from sustainable cellulose fibre, Valida nanocellulose responds to a critical need to replace undesirable products, used to impart performance characteristics such as reinforcement and stabilisation, with sustainable natural ingredients. Valida is compatible with a diverse range of applications such as cosmetics, coatings, agriculture and construction materials.
Cosmetics
Coatings
Construction
Agriculture
Cleaning Products
Barrier Coating
Lignin
Lignin is a major component of wood and is one of the most abundant natural organic polymers which provides a multitude of functionalities to be used in various applications and industries.
The importance of lignin is growing and is becoming an indispensable additive in a wide array of industrial and agricultural uses where sustainable natural alternatives for oil-based products are desired.
Using the power of collaboration and partnerships, Sappi actively pursues opportunities to unlock the hidden potential of lignin by developing innovative solutions to support a biobased circular economy.
Animal nutrition and health
Our offering for the animal feed market includes cost-effective feed binders and adjuvants for improved feed mill productivity and feed quality.
Crop nutrition and soil conditioning
Improved productivity in the agricultural sector, where Lignin can be used in various applications which include: micronutrient complexing, soil conditioning and binding for fertiliser granulation.
Construction
The plasticising and dispersive properties of our lignin-based products make them ideally suited for application in concrete admixtures and the manufacture of gypsum board and ceramic products.
Industrial applications
Binding and dispersing solutions for pelletising and briquetting, refractory, packaging paper, pigment binding and dispersion, water treatment and mineral recovery.
Dust control and road stabilisation
Lignin is an environmentally friendly dust suppressant and surface stabiliser for unpaved roads.
Oil and gas drilling
Environmentally friendly alternative cement retarders and mud thinners for the oil and gas drilling industry.
Biochemicals
Furfural is an important biobased platform chemical which is used in a wide variety of industrial applications including foundry resins, solvents and crop protection products.
Xylose and Organic Acids
Rising obesity rates and related diseases, such as diabetes, pose a growing global challenge. Reducing sugar intake by replacing traditional sweeteners with low-calorie alternatives is one way to help address this issue. The hemicellulose co-product from our Verve specialty cellulose operations can be used to produce xylose—the key ingredient in the production of xylitol, a widely used sugar substitute.
Sourced sustainably
Highlight Sappi’s point of difference. FSC certification achieved through stewardship and governance.