Our Company

Driven to Improve Product Performance and Sustainability

CelluForce produces cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanocrystal formulated products. We are pioneers in this field and we lead the way in scale, quality, and diversity of products to help manufacturers around the world create better and more sustainable products.

Our Approach

Just like our products, a little can make a big difference. We are a young and dynamic company with a great workforce that strives to continuously improve our products and processes to satisfy the most demanding customers and applications.

Throughout our short history, we’ve relied on our agility and creativity to overcome obstacles and find novel solutions.

Our Locations

CelluForce is the largest producer of cellulose nanocrystals in the world with a production capacity of 300 dried metric tonnes per year.

Our head office and our laboratories are located in Montreal, Canada. Our manufacturing plant is located in Windsor, Quebec and we export our products worldwide.

Our History

CelluForce’s origin can be traced back to a long history of research, with several significant milestones along the way.

The Discovery of Cellulose Nanocrystals

1940s: American and European researchers discover that the crystalline regions of cellulose can be isolated by acid hydrolysis and can form stable colloidal suspensions. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is commercialized.

1990s: Researchers from McGill University, led by Derek Gray, focus on the nanoform of the material and undertake intensive work to search for optimal laboratory production methods of what would later be called cellulose nanocrystals. This research still forms the fundamental science behind CelluForce’s production method.

The Scale-Up Period

2004: Based on Gray’s work, FPInnovations begin the difficult process of scaling up cellulose nanocrystals production under the direction of Richard Berry.

2010: CelluForce is created as a joint venture between Domtar and FPInnovations.

2011: CelluForce builds its commercial demonstration plant on the site of Domtar’s fine paper mill in Windsor, Quebec. The plant is 700x scale-up from the laboratory pilot of FPInnovations.

Cellulose Nanocrystals Production Becomes a Reality

2012: CelluForce starts operation of its Windsor plant.

2015: SLB becomes a shareholder and launches a major joint research project on cellulose nanocrystals-based oil and gas fluids.

2017: Suzano becomes a shareholder and a partner for promoting cellulose nanocrystals in South America.

2018: The first commercial product containing cellulose nanocrystals is sold for the oil and gas market. Investissement Québec becomes a shareholder, and a major upgrade project is launched to optimize the production process at the Windsor plant.

Today, CelluForce sells cellulose nanocrystals in various products around the world and in multiple applications such as completion fluids, cosmetics, rubber products, 3D printing, hydroalcoholic gels, paints and coatings.

Mission, Vision and Values

What We Do

We harness the power of nature’s basic elements to transform product performance.

Our Ambition

To be the world’s premier supplier of cellulose nanocrystal customer solutions and products.

Our Values

Drive Customer Success

We exist for the customer. We help them achieve success by proposing the best cellulose nanocrystals support and solutions. We produce the best quality products. We are efficient at listening and responding to queries.

Be Efficient

We work on what counts. We are fact-based. We think first and act fast. We are lean and invest every dollar wisely. We aim to produce the right quality.

Collaborate

We are stronger together. We seek input and help each other. We build on each other’s ideas. We listen actively. We understand differences. We remain respectful. We value integrity.

Embrace Change

We evolve constantly. We accept uncertainty and ambiguity. We adapt quickly by recognizing what works and what doesn’t. We support new initiatives. This is why we are leaders.

Find Solutions

We listen first. We enjoy challenges. We think outside the box. We don’t accept the status quo. We improve our game constantly to stay in front. We learn from our mistakes.

Make It Happen

We are results driven. We take charge and deliver on promises. We encourage co-workers. When we fall, we get back up. We are resourceful and passionate about our work.

Sustainable Development

We make sustainable products, we make our customers more sustainable, and we take sustainable development seriously. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and society. Here are some of the ways we demonstrate our commitment:

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint:

We understand the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and continue to optimize our production process. We also encourage telecommuting and video conferencing to reduce travel and have committed to purchasing carbon offsets to offset any unavoidable emissions.

Responsible Sourcing:

We recognize the impact our supply chain can have on the environment and society, and we are committed to sourcing materials responsibly. All our cellulose comes from PEFC certified sources, and we strive to purchase materials from suppliers who prioritize sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical practices. We also prioritize sourcing materials locally whenever possible to reduce transportation emissions and support local economies.

Social Responsibility:

We believe that businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to society. We prioritize diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices to foster an inclusive workplace. As the company scales up, we commit to setting aside funds to support social projects.

Shareholders

Domtar

Domtar is a leading provider of a wide variety of fiber-based products including specialty and packaging papers, market pulp, airlaid nonwovens, and timber products. With approximately 14,000 employees serving more than 60 countries around the world, Domtar is driven by a commitment to turn sustainable wood fiber into useful products that people rely on every day. Domtar’s principal executive offices are in Montreal, Quebec and Fort Mill, South Carolina. Find out more at domtar.com.

SLB

SLB (NYSE: SLB) is a global technology company driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. With a global presence in more than 100 countries and employees representing almost twice as many nationalities, SLB works each day on innovating oil and gas, delivering digital at scale, decarbonizing industries, and developing and scaling new energy systems that accelerate the energy transition. Find out more at slb.com.

FPInnovations

FPInnovations is a not-for-profit world leader in the creation of scientific solutions for the forest sector responding to the priority needs of its industrial and government members. It is ideally positioned to develop and deliver state-of-the-art solutions for every area of the sector’s value chain, from forestry operations to consumer and industrial products. FPInnovations has research laboratories located in Quebec City, Montreal and Vancouver, and technology transfer offices across Canada. Find out more at fpinnovations.ca.

Suzano

Suzano S.A. (NYSE: SUZ) is the largest producer of eucalyptus pulp in the world. The company has an annual production capacity of 11 million tons of pulp and 1.4 million tons of paper with 7 mills located across Brazil. The company also operates 3 Brazilian ports specialized in pulp shipments. With its operations based entirely on renewable forest plantations, Suzano has a total forest base covering 1.3 million hectares, of which 900 thousand hectares are native forests that have been set aside for environmental conservation. Suzano’s workforce totals approximately 35,000 professionals, including own employees and outsourced staff. Find out more at suzano.com.br.

Investissement Québec

Investissement Québec’s mission is to foster investment growth in Quebec to promote economic development and job creation in all regions of the province.

The organization provides businesses with a full range of financial solutions, including loans, loan guarantees and equity investments to support them at all stages of their development. In addition, it is responsible for administering tax measures and for prospecting for foreign investments. Find out more at investquebec.com.

Careers

At CelluForce, we offer a fantastic opportunity to work in a modern and flexible environment that values teamwork and puts people first. As a member of our team, you will play a vital role in the development, production, and commercialization of nanocrystalline cellulose – a revolutionary new biomaterial that is game-changing.

If you’re passionate about sustainable development and want to work for a company that puts people first, then CelluForce is the perfect fit for you. We are committed to creating a more responsible economy and developing environmentally-friendly products with our business partners, all while prioritizing the well-being of our employees.

CelluForce offers attractive remuneration packages with many benefits:

  • Work-life balance
  • Telework
  • Flexible hours
  • Mobile days
  • Competitive salary
  • Recognition of previous experience and vacation bonuses
  • Performance bonuses
  • Generous benefits plan
  • Pension plan (RRSP)

We encourage you to stay updated on our latest job opportunities by following our LinkedIn page, or you can also send us your unsolicited application at rh@celluforce.com. We are always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our values and are passionate about making a positive impact in the world.