Nanocellulose industrial uptake after the hype

Nanocellulose, a renewable and abundant bionanomaterial with exceptional physical, chemical, and biological properties, is a very promising functional material. Its potential applications, including composites, biomedical products, membranes, electrodes, supercapacitors, and flexible electronics, have been limited by high production costs. This study evaluates the industrial adoption of nanocellulose following the peak of the technology hype cycle, focusing on efforts to commercialize lower-cost production routes. The study also highlights the primary advanced applications, beyond biomedical products, in which nanocellulose is increasingly adopted by industry. The results are relevant not only to researchers in chemistry, materials science, biotechnology, and engineering, but also to professionals in the bioeconomy sector.