Material search
Finding Sustainable Alternatives to Microcrystalline Cellulose
Client overview
Our client was a global manufacturer of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) with a wide range of products in their portfolio.
Some of these products currently contain microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), an ingredient commonly used as a filler, binding agent, processing aid and/or stabiliser in various industries (including food, pharmaceutical, personal care and cosmetics). As part of their on-going product development, the client was interested in seeking alternative materials that could be used to replace MCC in their current products. Strategic Allies Ltd (SAL) was engaged to identify materials that would present similar characteristics to MCC (i.e. water insoluble, food-grade certified and particle size between 0.5-2mm) while offering sustainability benefits (e.g. natural, plant-based or minimal processing).
The search
Using a combination of internal knowledge and SAL’s partner network, the team focused the search on applications where fillers, excipients and bulking agents might be utilised. SAL investigated a variety of potential materials using publicly available data (such as technical and safety datasheets, material property databases, and supplier websites). Companies that offered relevant materials (including OEMs and distributors) were interviewed, allowing SAL to acquire further information on the technical parameters and any limitations of the materials, to better understand the suitability of the material for the client’s application. These interviews also provided SAL with the opportunity to explore the companies’ willingness to enter into a co-development partnership with the client to customise the material for their specific applications. Findings from the search were shared with the client on a regular basis, enabling the client to focus the search as they better understood the potential materials and allowing SAL to identify the most relevant suppliers with the ability to meet the client’s requirements.
“….appreciate SAL’s hard work and support on this”
Outcome
SAL presented 16 potential partners and over 20 different materials to the client – Detailed product offerings and company capabilities were presented along with supporting literature.
In addition, SAL shared 8 further companies with the client, whose materials were a partial fit with the search parameters.
The client shortlisted 2 companies in the first instance and SAL has supported the client with securing samples for internal testing.