MFC and CNF: From Research Buzzwords to Industrial Reality

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF) have been discussed in the industry for years - often with great enthusiasm, sometimes with frustration. Both materials promise lighter, stronger, and more sustainable products, yet many mills are still asking the same question:

Is MFC/CNF finally ready for real industrial use - and if so, how do we get there cost-effectively?

At AFT, we believe the answer is yes—when the right mechanical fiber treatment is applied.

What’s the Difference Between MFC and CNF—and Why It Matters

MFC and CNF are both derived from cellulose fibers, mechanically or chemically broken down into extremely fine fiber segments, fibrils, or cellulose chains. The difference lies mainly in scale, energy demand, and cost:

MFC (Microfibrillated Cellulose)
Already commercialized and used today, MFC typically enhances strength, bonding, and barrier properties at relatively low addition levels—often just 2–5% of the final product.
CNF (Nanofibrillated Cellulose)
Finer, more chemistry/energy-intensive, and still cost-challenged. CNF shows outstanding performance potential, but today it often struggles to compete with very low-cost plastics unless supported by hybrid chemical–mechanical approaches.

In short: MFC is here. CNF is coming. And mechanical process efficiency is the key to both.

Where MFC Is Making Sense Today

Industrial MFC production is rarely about massive volumes. Instead, it is about delivering targeted performance improvements. Today specialty and virgin fiber mills are the most common adopters. Recycled‑fiber MFC solutions do exist, though references using OCC remain uncommon. Across applications, MFC is being used to boost strength while reducing basis weight, to produce lighter packaging boards without compromising stiffness, and to cut back on chemical additives in corrugating.

In some markets where fiber streams are predominantly recycled, MFC is already being applied successfully. This demonstrates that recycled‑based MFC is entirely feasible—although it is more sensitive to process conditions.

What Makes AFT Strong in MFC Production

At AFT, our approach is clear: We focus on the mechanical side of MFC and CNF production—because that’s where cost, scalability, and reliability are won.

We do not require chemicals to produce MFC, and we work with technologies that are already proven at industrial scale.

Achieving consistent fibrillation is not only about applying energy—it is about controlling how that energy is transferred into the fiber structure. Plate design, refining gap control, and process stability all influence how efficiently fibers are converted into microfibrils. This is where AFT’s refining expertise comes into play:

Finebar® plates as a core enabler
Single-disc refiners with precise gap control
Double-disc and conical refiners with successful industrial references
Proven high-energy refining concepts for small and larger volumes

AFT’s refining technologies, particularly Finebar® plates combined with precise refiner control, enable mills to achieve high fibrillation efficiency while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption, which is one of the key cost drivers in MFC production.

Beyond refining, AFT brings complete system understanding. With the experience in supplying turnkey MFC refining lines and retrofit solutions, AFT has the ability to provide systems, not just sell components.

In many cases, mills do not need to build entirely new production lines to explore MFC. Existing refining systems can often be retrofitted or optimized to support fibrillation. With the right plate technology, refining configuration, and process adjustments, mills can begin developing MFC capabilities using much of their existing infrastructure.

Beyond equipment, successful MFC production requires a deep understanding of the overall process—fiber selection, consistency control, refining intensity, and downstream handling all influence the final material properties. AFT’s experience delivering MFC refining systems has helped build practical knowledge of how these variables interact in real industrial environments.

Research that feeds industry

AFT’s development work is closely linked with the research community, including basic research work done with the University of British Columbia in Canada and long-term collaboration with Aikawa Iron Works research networks.

Ongoing academic cooperation focuses on:

Rheology of MFC and CNF
Fundamental nanocellulose behavior
Process optimization for industrial scalability

This ensures that AFT’s solutions are not just theoretical—but industrially grounded.

AFT’s MFC/CNF promise

MFC is already delivering real industrial value, and AFT provides the mechanical expertise, refining technology, and practical process know‑how to make it cost‑effective and scalable. With over 20 installations worldwide and solutions from retrofit to sub-systems, AFT helps mills turn MFC ambitions into reliable, low‑cost performance gains.

Many customers are still figuring out what they want from MFC. That’s fine.

We help define the target—then build the path to get there.

About the Author

Timo Koivisto CTO AFT

Timo Koivisto, CTO

I am the Chief Technology Officer at Aikawa Fiber Technologies (AFT), where I lead our global technology, product development and capital project execution efforts. I’m also driving AFT’s expansion into new markets beyond the traditional pulp and paper industry—an area I’m truly excited about.

With over 25 years of international experience in the paper and process industries, I’ve had the opportunity to work in leadership roles across technology, sales, project management, and global business operations. I hold an M.Sc. in Paper Technology and an Executive MBA from Aalto University.

I am passionate about helping customers find new ways to improve and grow, and I strongly believe in building solutions that create long‑term value. Outside of work, I’m an enthusiastic sports lover, which helps me stay balanced, energized, and focused.