FiberLean Demonstration Plant, MFC Samples & Trials
Validate microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) performance under real production conditions before full-scale equipment installation with FiberLean’s demonstration and pilot plants
MFC Samples, Demonstration & Pilot Plant
Based in Cornwall, UK, our manufacturing facility and world-class laboratories combine full-scale microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) production capability with pilot-scale development and laboratory testing.
We can supply MFC from a variety of pulp sources, as a suspension or press cake.
Our demonstration MFC plant provides a direct route for mills to evaluate MFC before committing to on-site production. We can supply material for paper and board machine trials or temporary merchant supply before on-site grinder installation. This allows customers to assess MFC performance using their own fibre sources, process conditions and end-use requirements.
MFC samples can be supplied for trials, or evaluations can be supported from laboratory testing through to multi-day paper machine trials.
MFC Trials Applications
FiberLean supports microfibrillated cellulose trials across a range of applications, including:
These trials far exceeded our expectations!
Procurement director
The talent and experience on show over the two days was clear to see as we resolved every challenge which presented itself.
MFC Trial Benefits & Outcomes
Test MFC samples performance in your own products before installing production equipment.
Material produced using the same grinding technology used in industrial installations.
From laboratory evaluation through to full paper machine trials.
MFC samples produced reflects real operating conditions of FiberLean’s MFC grinders, not lab-scale approximation.
Trial work directly supports equipment specification and installation planning.
Demonstration & Pilot Plant Capability
Full-Scale MFC Production Facility
Our demonstration plant operates as a stand-alone industrial production unit.
- Pulp make-down system for dry sheeted market pulp
- Two full-scale FiberLean MFC grinders
- Screening system and filter press
- Production capacity up to ~2,000 dry tonnes per year
MFC Supply for Purchase, Trials and Evaluation
FiberLean supplies MFC for:
- Paper and board machine trials
- Application development
- Temporary supply prior to on-site installation
Material is available as:
- Press cake (standard supply format)
- Smaller MFC samples for laboratory testing
- Suspension (where required)
Purchased products are typically supplied as press cake in 1,000 kg bags on pallets, with each bag holding 200 dry kg of MFC at ~20% solids. Smaller MFC samples are also available.
Development & Characterisation Laboratories
FiberLean’s laboratory facilities support both product development and performance validation.
- Pulp and MFC characterisation
- Product quality control
- Papermaking performance evaluation
- End-use testing
This ensures trial work is supported by measurable data and consistent product quality.
Pilot Plant for Development Work
FiberLean’s pilot facility supports smaller-scale MFC production and process development.
The pilot plant includes a development scale MFC grinder along with all the peripheral equipment necessary for production and handling of MFC. We use this facility to develop optimised MFC for specific applications and produce small-scale samples for customers and collaborators. It is also a key tool we use to develop our grinders and further our understanding of the grinding process.
- Development-scale MFC grinder
- Full supporting process equipment
- Production of application-specific MFC grades
- Sample generation for early-stage evaluation
This facility is used to optimise MFC characteristics for specific end uses, support customer development work, and evaluate alternative fiber sources.
Arrange MFC Samples or Pilot Trials
Tell us about your fiber source, application and trial requirements.
Our team will support evaluation from initial samples through to full-scale machine trials and define the appropriate route to on-site production.
FAQs
What forms of MFC are available for trials?
MFC is typically supplied as press cake at approximately 20% solids. Smaller samples and suspension formats can also be provided where required.
Can FiberLean support full paper machine trials?
Yes. Trials can be supported from laboratory scale through to multi-day full machine trials.
What is the production capacity range of the FiberLean grinder range?
From ~100 to ~1200 tonnes per year per grinder. Multiple grinders can be installed in modular combinations where higher output is required.
Is the material representative of industrial MFC production?
Yes. MFC is produced using the same stirred media milling process used in full-scale installations.
Can I test MFC before investing in equipment?
Yes. The demonstration plant provides a route to validate performance before committing to on-site production.
What production capacity does the demonstration plant have?
The facility can produce up to approximately 2000 dry tonnes of MFC per year.
Can you work with my specific fibre source?
Yes. Trials can be conducted using different pulp types, including customer-specific materials where required.
Can I visit the demonstration plant?
Yes! We would love to host a visit from you at our facility in Cornwall, UK. Just make an enquiry to visit us here.
Explore Our Full MFC Production Equipment Range
Your Global Experts for MFC Production Equipment
Global Technical Support for Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC) Applications
FiberLean specialists are strategically based across the UK, Europe, and the USA, providing on-site technical trials and industrial scale-up support worldwide.
Email: info@fiberlean.com
Global Sales & Support – Lars Erlandsson
Europe Sales & Support – Ron Lai
North America Sales & Support – Mark Paradis
UK Technical Hub & Demonstration Plant – Ben Bulson