Cellulose Chemistry and Technology

16/04/2026

The preparations for the 12th Workshop on Cellulose, Regenerated Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives have already started. The workshop is organised by Karlstad University and Umeå University and it will take place in Örnsköldsvik on 10-11 November 2026.

Abstracts for posters and oral presentations are welcome at the latest on 31th May 2026..

15/04/2026

We are proud to announce that Antje Potthast has been awarded the prestigious Anselme Payen Award for 2026!

Dr. Potthast is a Full Professor at BOKU University, where she serves as Deputy Director of the Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources. She also leads the BOKU Core Facility “Analysis of Lignocellulosics” (ALICE) and is Speaker of the Doctoral School “Advanced Biorefineries: Chemistry & Materials.”

As head of the Biopolymer and Paper Analysis research group, her work focuses on cutting-edge analytical methods for lignocellulosic materials—especially cellulose and lignin. Her research spans from advancing biomaterials science to preserving cultural heritage through innovative analysis of cellulosic objects.

Dr. Potthast has made a lasting impact on the field and her work has deepened our understanding of cellulose and lignin chemistry, developed new analytical approaches for oxidative damage, and enabled better tailoring of biomaterials for real-world applications...
https://acscell.org/2026-anselme-payen-award-goes-to-antje-potthast/

14/04/2026

Wood and plant biomass hold one of the most remarkable sustainable resources on Earth: Cellulose — the most abundant natural biopolymer. From paper and textiles to advanced materials, biocomposites, and biomedical applications, cellulose plays a key role in the transition toward a green and circular economy.

This Earth Week, we celebrate not only forests and woods, but also the science that transforms these renewable resources into solutions for a sustainable future.

It's almost time! We have one week until Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (April 19-April 25)🌱!

This year's theme is Into the Woods🌳, and we can't wait to celebrate with you. Whether you are hosting a party, trying out one of our activities or spending time in nature, we want to see it.

Share your event using , we might feature your event at the end of Chemists Celebrate Earth Week.

12/04/2026

The Best place to be!..
https://lgp2.grenoble-inp.fr/en/scientific-life/cellulose-international-summit

02/10/2025

Save the Date 1-3 June 2026: The 22nd Edition of the International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries!

Save the Date for : The 22nd Edition of the International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries! 1-3 June 2026!

https://rrbconference.com/

The 22nd edition of the International Conference on Renewable Resources & will take place in Leuven, Belgium from Monday 1 June until Wednesday 3 June 2026, organised by Ghent University and KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems. Based on the previous RRB conferences, this conference is expected to welcome about 300 international participants from over 30 countries.

Delegates from university, industry, governmental an non-governmental organizations and venture capital providers will present their views on industrial biotechnology, sustainable (green) chemistry and agricultural policy related to the use of renewable raw materials for non-food applications and energy supply. The conference further aims at providing an overview of the scientific, technical, economic, environmental and social issues of renewable resources and biorefineries in order to give an impetus to the biobased economy and to present new developments in this area.

The conference will provide a forum for leading political, corporate, academic and financial people to discuss recent developments and set up collaborations. The three day international conference will consist of plenary lectures, oral presentations, poster sessions and an exhibition. Companies and research organizations are offered the opportunity to organize a satellite symposium.

22/06/2025

Innovation award “Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2025”..
1st place: SA-Dynamics (DE): Cellulose Aerogel Textiles – Next-Generation Insulation Materials
Cellulose Aerogel Textiles are revolutionary insulation materials made from 100 % biodegradable cellulose aerogel fibres. These combine the flexibility and ease of processing of traditional fabrics with the superior thermal insulation properties of aerogels by utilising a novel aerogel fibre process. Lightweight, highly efficient, and compatible with conventional textile machinery, they provide a sustainable alternative to fossil-based and animal-derived insulation materials. Fully recyclable and free from microplastic emissions, Cellulose Aerogel Textiles set a new benchmark for circular economy solutions in the textile and construction industries. Initial functional demonstrators were developed through two projects, funded by Biotexfuture and RWTH Innovation, respectively. sa-dynamics.com

2nd place: Releaf Paper France (FR): Releaf Fiber – Eco-Friendly Paper from Urban Fallen Leaves
Releaf Paper France transforms urban fallen leaves into sustainable cellulose fibres, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood pulp. Using proprietary low-temperature extraction, high-quality fibres with excellent paper-forming properties are isolated. With a cellulose content of 32-48 % and properties similar to hardwood, RELEAF fibres are ideal for packaging materials like corrugated paper, boxes, and bags. This innovative process, which requires minimal water and non-aggressive solvents, aligns with circular economy principles, repurposing millions of tons of urban leaf waste annually and supporting global brands in achieving sustainable packaging solutions. releaf-paper.com

3rd place: Uluu (AU): Replacing plastic in textiles with natural, seaweed-derived materials
Uluu is an Australian start-up set to replace plastics with natural polymers called PHAs. Uluu materials are made from a regenerative feedstock: farmed seaweed, thus ending reliance on fossil fuels and land crops. Uluu, in partnership with Deakin University, is developing textiles that perform like synthetic polyester but are truly biodegradable and biocompatible, thus eliminating persistent microplastic pollution in fashion. Importantly, Uluu materials are reusable, recyclable, and most importantly, compostable. They are naturally produced through a unique fermentation process that uses seaweed, saltwater microbes and seawater. Uluu pellets can be directly substituted for plastic (e.g., polyester, nylon) in existing melt spinning equipment, creating yarns that can be knitted or woven into textiles. In addition to fibre-grade pellets, Uluu is also producing other grades of pellets to replace plastics used in e.g., buttons, sunglasses, hair clips and packaging. uluu.com.au

25/04/2025

Dr. Liangbing Hu of Yale University is the 2025 recipient of the Anselme Payen award for his outstanding contributions to cellulose and materials science. As the founding director of the Center for Materials Innovation, his impactful research has accumulated over 120,000 citations and 500 peer-reviewed papers. Dr. Hu's work includes groundbreaking advancements in cellulose mechanics and the invention of Super Wood, a technology he commercialized through his startup, InventWood Inc. His achievements highlight the potential of wood and cellulose in sustainable product development, and he will receive the award at the 2026 Cellulose and Renewable Materials Awards Banquet...
https://acscell.org/2025-anselme-payen-award/

24/04/2025

Explore innovative approaches to circularity in textiles at the Bio-based Futures Program—featuring expert insights on sustainable fiber development and the evolving role of bio-based materials.

🌿 Bio-based Futures Program Highlights: Circular Textiles 🌿

Bio-based Futures
📅 When: Thursday-Friday, May 15-16, 2025
📍 Where: Dipoli, Espoo, Finland, and online

This session will focus on pioneering strategies for circularity in the textile industry, featuring leading experts who are driving innovations in sustainable textile solutions.

Speaker Line-Up:
🔹 Luana Dessbesell, Aalto University: Secondary Materials, Circularity Beyond Recycling
🔹 Kirsi Roine, Infinited Fiber Company: Navigating Regulatory and Market Dynamics – How Evolving EU Regulations and Market Demand Drive the Scaling of Textile Fiber Innovation
🔹 Mikko Mäkelä, VTT: Spectral Imaging and Machine Learning to Estimate Textile Properties for Recycling

This session promises valuable insights and innovative approaches to textile circularity, exploring recycling and beyond. Join us to learn how regulatory changes and market dynamics are shaping the future of textile fiber innovation.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with experts in the field of circular textiles. Secure your spot today!

🔗 Register: https://cstu.io/fcbfd0

Check the full program here: https://cstu.io/a7774a

20/04/2025

Three leading experts are teaming up to run an eye-opening session: “Opportunities for Cellulose Nanomaterials in Packaging”

This is all about cutting-edge, renewable solutions that are shaping the future of packaging.

If you’re working at the intersection of science + sustainability, don’t miss it!

From 8 until 11 July, 2025, Ass. Professor Joice Kaschuk from Wageningen University & Research and Assoc. Professor Marc Delgado-Aguilar from the University of Girona, together with professor dr. Julian Bras from Grenoble INP - UGA, will give a workshop: ‘Opportunities for in ’.

‘If you're working at the intersection of materials, , and packaging, this workshop is for you!’.

The workshop takes place during the 2025 International Conference on Nanotechnology for Materials in , Spain. Please register via the link: https://events.tappi.org/event/nano/home.

19/03/2025

Polysaccharides in Solution and Solid Materials - Physicochemical Interactions and Analytical Methods

, on Sunday, 24th of August, we are organizing a pre-conference course aiming to connect academia and industry. The topic of the course, given by prof. dr. Bjorn Lindman from Lund University, prof. dr. Lars Wågberg from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and assoc. prof. Diana Bernin from Chalmers University of Technology, is "hashtag in Solution and Solid Materials - Physicochemical Interactions and Analytical Methods".

Professor Lindman and Professor Wågberg are outstanding authorities in the field of polysaccharides sciences. Do not miss this opportunity to join us in Sundsvall. You can register for the pre-conference course here: https://lnkd.in/eeuusKWB

Abstracts for can be submitted until April 1st, 2025!
https://www.epnoe2025.org/call-for-abstracts/

26/02/2025

The distinctive "old book smell" arises from the chemical breakdown of compounds in paper over time. This phenomenon is commonly found in libraries and second-hand bookstores and is a result of cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses degradation in paper...

"That undeniable scent of comfort"
What Causes the Smell of New & Old Books?

📚Everyone’s familiar with the smell of old books, the weirdly intoxicating scent that haunts libraries and second-hand book stores.
📚Generally, it is the chemical breakdown of compounds within paper that leads to the production of ‘old book smell’.
📚A selected number of compounds have had their contributions pinpointed: benzaldehyde adds an almond-like scent; vanillin adds a vanilla-like scent; ethyl benzene and toluene impart sweet odours; and 2-ethyl hexanol has a ‘slightly floral’ contribution.

Learn more via https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/06/01/newoldbooksmell/