Market projections of cellulose nanomaterial-enabled products - Part 1: Applications

Nanocellulose provides a new materials platform for the sustainable production of high-performance nano-enabled products in an array of applications. In this paper, potential applications for cellulose nanomaterials are identified as the first step toward estimating market volume. The overall study, presented in two parts, estimates market volume on the basis of estimated tonnage of cellulose nanomaterials rather than the dollar value of production or profits from production. In this paper, we first identified potential uses from literature, presentations, and patent reviews, and then categorized these under the broad headings of high-volume, low-volume, and emerging/novel applications. For each application, the rationale for using nanocellulose is explained. The companion paper, Part 2, explains the assumptions and calculation of application-specific market estimates. High- and low-volume consumption applications of cellulose nanomaterials were identified from published data as well as expert input. We categorized potential market sizes as high or low by considering applications where cellulose nanomaterials would replace existing materials and be used at a published or estimated rate for some fraction of an entire existing market. Novel applications for cellulose nanomaterials that are presently considered niche markets are also identified, but volumes were not estimated because of a lack of published supporting data. Annual U.S. market potential for identified applications of nanocellulose is estimated as 6.4 million metric tons, with a global market potential of 35 million metric tons. The greatest volume potential for use of cellulose nanomaterials is currently in paper and packaging applications. Other potentially high-volume uses are in the automotive, construction, personal care, and textile sectors.