Pilot validation partner sought
CeluNova has developed a proprietary sulfite pulping process to extract industrial-grade cellulose from pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), an agricultural residue of which 80 million tons are burned or discarded globally every year. The resulting fiber targets direct substitution of wood pulp in tissue hygiene products including toilet paper, napkins, and kitchen towels, without requiring manufacturers to modify existing production lines. PALF’s naturally long fiber length (3–5mm) provides mechanical strength advantages over short-fiber wood pulp, while our closed-loop input recirculation reduces chemical consumption and wastewater output versus conventional kraft pulping. Raw material supply is secured through direct agreements with farmers covering 3M+ tons/year of pineapple leaves in Mexico’s primary production region (Veracruz).
Proof to date includes pilot-scale extraction runs at Universidad de Guadalajara’s Cellulose and Paper Department, achieving 40%+ cellulose yield with initial TAPPI validation across kappa number, ISO brightness (target >80%), and CSF drainage index. A peer-reviewed publication on PALF valorization chemistry is indexed in Scopus (Bioresource Technology Reports, Elsevier, 2023, 14 citations). Technical collaboration with NC State University’s Sustainable Agricultural Fibers Institute (SAFI) is in progress for performance validation against diaper and tissue grade specifications.
We are seeking an industry partner to co-fund or sponsor a structured pilot trial, testing our fiber against their existing wood pulp procurement specs ,with the goal of producing a validated technical datasheet suitable for supply chain qualification within 6–9 months.
About CeluNova
CeluNova is a Mexican climate-tech startup that specializes in transforming pineapple agricultural waste into sustainable raw materials, specifically cellulose and starch. Founded by a team of biotechnologists and entrepreneurs, the company utilizes a proprietary chemical hydrolysis process to extract these materials from pineapple leaves, stems, and roots. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional wood-based pulp, requiring significantly less water and fewer chemicals during production. The extracted cellulose is particularly notable for its high absorption capacity, making it a viable, eco-friendly component for products such as biodegradable diapers, paper, and packaging materials.
The company focuses on advancing the circular economy by collaborating with local farmers and industrial partners to convert discarded pineapple residues into high-value inputs. By creating alternatives that are both biodegradable and efficient, CeluNova aims to reduce deforestation and provide cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions to major global industries, including hygiene, textiles, and agriculture. The startup has earned recognition in various international innovation and startup competitions, including the Hult Prize and the Rice Business Plan Competition, as it moves toward scaling its operations with the development of its first pilot production facility in Veracruz.
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