Specialty cellulose

Specialty cellulose – what the world is made of

Refined from wood pulp, Tembec’s specialty cellulose has almost infinite applications including:

• Texturizer – it makes dairy products such as chocolate gelato creamier.
• Thickening agent – it makes cosmetic creams smoother and more luxurious.
• Splatter control – it makes paint, mortar and plaster easier to use.
• Strengthening agent – it can make eyeglass frames stronger.
• Binder – it is essential in the production of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

It’s also a component of the liquid crystal displays on computer screens. And it can heighten the glossiness of inks, lacquers, nail polishes and varnishes.

Our specialty cellulose expertise makes us a reliable partner for our blue-chip customers in multi-billion dollar markets – such as personal care and coatings – that are growing in the range of 4% to 5% a year. 

In three of our main business lines – cellulose ethers, nitrocellulose and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) – we are the world’s leading producer. 

While the great bulk of our production is in high purity specialty cellulose, we also produce commodity dissolving pulp, used for viscose.

All our specialty cellulose products are available as Forest Stewardship Council^® (FSC^®) certified, your assurance they are made with fiber from responsible sources.

All specialty cellulose products made at our Tartas, France, operation are PEFC certified.

Custom manufacturing to customer specifications 

Our products have a high degree of purity – essential with food and pharmaceuticals – and brightness. And we manufacture to exacting customer specifications.

We have a high degree of control over viscosity, and complete flexibility in meeting customer requirements, because we source our ‘fiber baskets’ from diverse wood species, ranging from the maritime pine of Southwest France to the boreal forest of Canada.

At our R&D Centre in Gradignan near Bordeaux, France, we’re turning innovative ideas into customer success stories. Our scientists, engineers and technicians collaborate closely with our customers on developing new applications and higher grades.

Product characteristics and applications

Operations, capacity and certifications

PEFC is the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification