Conversion economics, risk, and financial analyses for an industrial facility manufacturing cellulose micro‐ and nanofibrils (CMNF) from wood pulp is presented. Process data is based on mass and energy balances from a pilot facility in the University of Maine. Here, CMNF is produced from untreated wood pulp by using disk refining, with an assumed production capacity of 50 t (dry metric ton equivalent) per day. Stand‐alone and co‐location manufacturing facilities were simulated and assessed. Minimum product selling prices (MPSP, estimated to achieve a 16% hurdle rate) for different scenarios ranged from USD 1893/t CMNF to USD 2440/t CMNF (dry equivalent). Pulp and energy consumption were identified as major cost drivers. Consequently, it was found that the use of alternative feedstock, in addition to co‐location configuration, can reduce MPSP by 37%. Since estimated MPSP of CMNF is lower than cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) – both estimated to achieve a 16% hurdle rate, we believe market adoption of CMNF in the near term is more promising, regardless of specific applications. This study provides state of the art business intelligence information on the conversion economics, risk, and financial analyses for CMNF manufacturing. Thus, the data represents valuable information to entrepreneurs, R&D scientists, and product developers who plan to adopt CMNF in their processes and products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

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Cellulosic nanofibrils (CNF) were produced in a disk refiner, to various fines contents. This material was used as an additive to papermaking furnish at laboratory and pilot scales. Handsheets showed improved strength and surface properties with the addition of CNF. Properties also tended to improve with increasing fines content of CNF. Desired strength properties were achieved using CNF at different fines contents by adjusting the loading levels of CNF. On a pilot scale, CNF allowed an increased ash level while maintaining control properties. Strength and surface properties were generally enhanced with use of CNF, although drainage properties were adversely affected. Machine runnability was good, even at higher CNF dosages and slower drainage. CNF in the sheet appears to increase press solids.

The cover image, by Camilla Abbati de Assis et al., is based on the Modeling and Analysis Cellulose micro‐ and nanofibrils (CMNF) manufacturing ‐ financial and risk assessment, DOI: .