CELLIGHT project aims to develop more sustainable cellulose-based alternatives as functional ingredients for paints, cosmetics and coatings

Coordinated by VTT in close collaboration with Aalto University and the University of Helsinki, an exciting two-year Business Finland funded co-research project has been launched to develop and explore the application potential of cellulose-based opacifiers and whitening agents across multiple industries. The CELLIGHT project envisions replacing titanium dioxide (TiO₂) with novel cellulose-based alternatives, taking significant first steps towards greener and more sustainable solutions in opacifiers. Five industrial partners complete the CELLIGHT consortium, which are Metsä Spring Oy, Nouryon, PPG Tikkurila, Nordic Bioproducts Group Oy, and Wetend Technologies Oy.

ExpandFibre team connected with Dr. Muhammad Mujtaba, Research Scientist at VTT, to introduce the latest project addition to the ExpandFibre Ecosystem. According to Muhammad the topic of cellulose-based opacifiers is still very much an emerging research topic, with only few research groups globally exploring the potential use of modified cellulose-based materials in applications currently dominated by titanium dioxide (TiO₂). TiO₂ is a widely used whitening agent with a global annual production of around 8 million tons. Although TiO₂ is a naturally occurring mineral, there are multiple environmental concerns related to its production and use. In addition, the harsh open pit mining of TiO₂ creates direct threats to many delicate ecosystems globally.

In brief CELLIGHT aims to develop bio-based materials to replicate the opacifying effects of TiO₂ and to conduct comprehensive testing and validation for the developed materials to ensure they fully meet industry standards for both aqueous and non-aqueous applications.

Muhammad recalls the origins of the idea leading to the creation of the CELLIGHT project: “Prior to joining VTT in March 2020, I was working on a post-doc assignment at Aalto University in Prof. Juha Lipponen team. The topic of cellulose-based opacifiers came up during frequent discussions with Prof. Juha Lipponen and the consequent Business Finland Co-Creation project. In this project we initially started our project planning and industrial discussions, with e.g. Metsä Group. The foundations for the project were laid during those discussions, and as I joined VTT, we reconnected over the years on the topic with Prof. Lipponen to really take the idea forward in the form of a project proposal with complementing project partners from both the research world and the industry.”

Muhammad is very proud of the CELLIGHT consortium with the three research leads of VTT, Aalto University and University of Helsinki complemented by five innovative company members: “Overall, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for this topic is still currently very low, and we are very much in a basic research stage with no detailed pre-studies available as jumping off points to take the work further. Thankfully, we have extremely talented people from different disciplines joining the research initiative, as we have very wide expertise in the consortium covering biotechnology, physics and chemistry. We even have dedicated experts from astrophysics performing simulations and modelling, which I’m very excited about.”

Each company member has a dedicated role as explained by Muhammad: “Metsä Group as the raw material provider and as the Veturi company has a key role, also sharing vital expertise on wood fiber processing and handling. PPG Tikkurila is a major Finnish player in the paint industry, where vast amounts of TiO₂ is used as a pigment. Nouryon manufactures cellulose derivatives, such as carboxymethyl cellulose CMC, that are used globally in multiple end use applications including paints and coatings. Nordic Bioproducts Group Oy is an innovative Finnish biomaterial startup that has patented their own microcrystalline cellulose, which will be tested in the project. Finally, Wetend Technologies Oy are technology developers, that will complement the entire project value chain.”

As a part of the ExpandFibre Ecosystem, CELLIGHT is fully aligned with the mission to accelerate the development of sustainable bioproducts. The project aims to deliver not only environmental benefits but also economic opportunities. By 2035, the consortium is envisioning to fully replace TiO₂ in consumer products, while cutting emissions and driving sustainable growth in Finland’s bio-based industry.

CELLIGHT is a 2-year project running from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026, with a funding of €1.3 million provided by Business Finland.

Project partners: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (coordinator), Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Metsä Spring, Nouryon, PPG Tikkurila, Nordic Bioproducts Group Oy, and Wetend Technologies Oy.