The ISO/Technical Committee 6 (paper, board, and pulps) is composed of several experts, including representatives from FPInnovations, who meet on a regular basis to develop new ISO standards and review existing ones.

Over the last months, the committee has expanded its scope to include cellulosic nanomaterials—including terminology, sampling procedures, test methods, product and quality specifications, and the establishment and maintenance of appropriate calibration systems. Consequently, Task Group 1 (TG 1) on cellulosic nanomaterials has been established, with Dr. Jean Bouchard (Canada) appointed as convener and Dr. Colleen Walker (USA) appointed as secretary.

The scope of TG 1 is to identify ISO projects (technical reports, technical specifications, and international standards) on cellulosic nanomaterials and advise on which working group should lead them, as well as to examine the possibility of adapting existing TC 6 standards for use on cellulosic materials. TG 1 has 26 participants from 13 countries, with membership equally spread among academia, R&D facilities, and industry. The first meetings took place in October 2014, and in February, June, and December 2015.

A comprehensive, up-to-date summary of international activities on cellulosic nanomaterials has been prepared within TG 1. This PowerPoint presentation summarizes both production and research activities, as well as major projects and collaborations for cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibrils (including cellulose filaments and cellulose microfibrils) by geographical region. The document was prepared by TG 1 members Stephanie Beck (leader, Canada), Christophe Danumah (Canada), and Miriam Gallur (Spain).

The presentation is now publicly available on the ISO/TC 6 website and will be updated on a regular basis.

For more information on this topic, please contact Stephanie Beck, Scientist at FPInnovations.