The use of cellulose in product manufacturing is an essential factor contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle
Cellulose is a significant source of renewable resources, produced from forest thinning and wood processing by-products such as sawdust. Cellulose is versatile – it is durable, flexible, and can even be transparent, making it an ideal material for making a variety of products that make our lives easier every day and are environmentally friendly.
Let's list some industries where cellulose is used:
Paper: Paper is one of the most well-known cellulose products. It is indispensable in our daily lives, from drawing to reading books, flipping through newspapers and using handouts in schools and at work. Digitization has reduced paper production volumes, but the importance and use of paper still remain.
Cardboard: Cardboard is a widely used packaging material, protecting products such as furniture, computers, shoes and food during transportation. Cellulose-made cardboard is durable and easily recyclable, with the possibility of recycling up to 7 times. The recycling rate of paper and cardboard consumed in Finland is high, promoting sustainable use of resources.
Food and beverage packaging: Cellulose products are increasingly replacing fossil raw materials in food and beverage packaging. Transparent cellulose polymers are an excellent alternative to fossil material packaging and are difficult to distinguish from traditional plastics.
Food additives: Cellulose is also used in the composition of various food products, such as ice cream and toothpaste. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a popular additive that attracts and contains water, improving the texture and taste of products.
Toilet paper: Toilet paper and napkins are an important part of cellulose products. They are not only ecological but also gentle on the skin. In Finland and elsewhere, toilet paper consumption is significant, and its production is an important segment of the economy.
Clothing: Cellulose fibers are also used in clothing production, offering an ecological alternative to synthetic fibers and cotton. These fibers are obtained from certified forests and produced without chemicals, offering more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing fabrics.
Medical supplies: Cellulose is widely used in medicine, from bandages to surgical clothing. Its biocompatibility and absorbency make it an ideal material for making various medical products.
Building materials: Cellulose is also important in the production of building materials. It is used, for example, in medium-density fiberboard and chipboard, which are popular in construction and furniture production.
Cellulose products are an example of how natural resources can be used to promote sustainable development and reduce our dependence on fossil raw materials.