Development of FiberLeanTM MFC an innovative mineral/micro-fibrillated cellulose composite and the signing of agreements to supply two leading paper producers

Under its innovation programs, Imerys has developed FiberLeanTM MFC, a mineral/micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) composite which is produced using a patented and innovative manufacturing technology. This new product has great potential in multiple industries. The first commercial applications are in the paper and packaging markets, where this composite product allows paper & packaging producers to improve quality and/or significantly increase the mineral filler loading in the sheet to achieve productivity gains and reduced cost.

Imerys has signed two separate commercial agreements for the full-scale supply of FiberLeanTM MFC, with two leading papermakers, one in Asia and one in the USA. The Asian customer is a major manufacturer of coated woodfree paper with a large share of its production in the high-end of the coated paper segment. The Imerys on-site production plant is due for startup in Q3 2016. The US-based customer has a strong position in the printing and writing market. Imerys will build an on-site plant to provide one of its southeastern US mills with FiberLeanTM MFC. This plant should also be commissioned and start production in Q3 2016.

Imerys will have 8,000 metric tonnes per year capacity of MFC with the completion of these two plants, which is making of Imerys the most important supplier of micro-fibrillated cellulose worldwide.
A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Contact Notification for Imerys FiberLeanTM MFC became effective in November 2015 for use as a food contact substance in paper and paperboard for food packaging applications.