What is required in cellulose nanofibers from domestic timbers – A market research report –

Abstract

The utilization of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has potential as one of the promising ideas to revitalize the hilly and mountainous areas in Japan. To clarify the problems and improvements related to CNFs derived from domestic timbers, a market trend survey was performed. Many respondents pointed out high prices of CNFs, the establishment of technology for dispersing, characteristic evaluation, the stabilization of quality, and confirming the safety of CNFs as problems and challenges. The survey results also suggested the importance of a business promotion system for improving productivity and obtaining a stable supply of inexpensive CNFs by scaling up through commercialization. Regarding user benefits of using "CNFs derived from domestic timbers produced in the hilly and mountainous areas", some respondents agreed with the view that the use of CNFs is environmentally conscious and the attitude of natural origin contributes to the improvement of corporate images. For future efforts of CNFs derived from domestic timbers, it is important to communicate to the manufacturer and consumers specific and value-added information such as environmentally conscious resources using sustainable forest resources.