The Role Effective Characterisation has in Successful Commercialiation of MFC
The Role Effective Characterisation has in Successful Commercialiation of MFC
Virtual Event
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 to Wednesday, January 14, 2026
11 AM - 12 PM EST
Here we explore the critical role that material characterisation plays in the successful commercialization of Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC). Beginning with an introduction to FiberLean Technologies and our proprietary MFC production process, we will examine the unique challenges of characterizing MFC across its diverse length scales. The session will highlight a range of techniques employed by FiberLean, evaluating their strengths and limitations in capturing key material properties. We will then demonstrate how these characterisation strategies have directly supported the scale-up of MFC production and deployment of MFC in paper applications, enabling performance optimization and product differentiation. Finally, we will discuss how rigorous characterisation has underpinned our achievement of broad food contact regulatory clearance, reinforcing MFC’s potential in packaging and other high-value markets.
Learning Outcomes::
- Understand the FiberLean process and equipment for production of MFC
- Explain the ways in which MFC can be characterized
- Understand how characterisation impact our ability to scale up technology and develop applications for new materials
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Keywords: MFC, characterisation, paper applications, regulatory, commercialisation |
Ben Bulson – Applied Research Manager – MSci in Chemistry – 8+ years’ experience
Ben worked at FiberLean as a Scientist during a placement year in his studies at the University of Bristol. He worked in the R&D department, focusing on developing hydrophobic surface treatments for MFC. After Graduating in 2017, he joined FiberLean as a Scientist, working in the R&D department on variety of projects from shelf life of MFC during storage to QC test development and MFC applications research. In 2022 he specialised as an IP Scientist and progressed to IP Leader in 2023 with responsibility for the maintenance and development of FiberLeans patent estate. Ben Currently holds the position of Applied Research Manager with overall responsibility for FiberLeans R&D activities, IP, Regulatory and ESG.
Lewis Taylor – Process Development Manager – MEng in Chemical Engineering, PhD in Chemical Engineering – 9+ years’ experience
Lewis worked at FiberLean as an Assistant Process Development Engineer during a placement year in his studies at the University of Birmingham. He worked in the FiberLean department where most of his duties involved the process optimisation of the lab and pilot scale grinders. After graduating in 2016 with a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Lewis joined FiberLean as a PhD student co-hosted by FiberLean and the University of Birmingham. His PhD focused on developing a detailed understanding of FiberLeans process to convert pulp into MFC and optimising the process. After completing his PhD, he progressed to process engineer in 2020 and then Process Research Leader in 2022. He now holds the position of Process Development Manager with overall responsibility for all aspects of process development at FiberLean.
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