Cellulose pulp is used in a variety of everyday products, including packaging, food containers, fabrics, and cosmetics. It is created by cooking recycled paper and wood particles with water, filtering the fibers, and molding them into various shapes. Microcrystalline cellulose is used as a binding and thickening agent in body care and pharmaceutical products. Cellulose is also found in many foods and can serve as a dietary fiber and calorie reducer.
Various types of vegetable and paper pulps consist of everything from microscopic cellulose crystals to molded pulp masses that serve as ingredients or as building materials, for a multitude of everyday cellulose products. In addition to paper, industries use paper and pulp for a variety of consumer needs, including packaging and processed foods. Recycled cellulose products are biodegradable, reduce landfill waste and provide an alternative to petroleum-based foam products. Many facilities recycle paper and wood products by reducing materials to pulp. Other industries use vegetable fibers obtained from hemp farms or carefully maintained forests.
The molded fiber industry collects recycled paper and wood, cuts or shreds the materials, combines the particles with water, and cooks the mixture until the substance disintegrates into fibers. Factory employees filter the fibers from the liquid soup and fill double molds, which are placed into ovens that remove the remaining water content and form the final pasta product. Industries use viscose pulp for food grade pulp products including bowls, divisible cup holders, plates and trays. The foldable clamshell shapes serve as food containers in fast food restaurants or as dog bags in other restaurants. Manufacturers also use the bulky cellulose fibers for food packaging, fabric fibers, threads and synthetic sponges, along with hose and pneumatic components.
Finer cellulose acetates or nitrocellulose fibers often form the basis for reverse osmosis filter paste products. Textile manufacturers use the pulp to create high quality fabrics and threads. The longer the pulp is processed, the finer the cellulose fiber created. Some fine-grade cellulose fibers naturally form a film that is used to produce quick-drying inks, lacquers, and varnishes. Building paste products include adhesives, cement mixes, paints and plasters. Liquid crystal display (LCD) technology and plastics are also created using cellulose pulp.
Recycling industries compress and shape the dried, fluffy pulp to make disposable diapers, cosmetics, and feminine hygiene products. The fibers in these cellulose products are naturally absorbent and in some products, including diapers, the cellulose reacts with moisture and forms a gel. Microcrystalline cellulose pulp is typically a fine white powder. These microscopic fibers also react with moisture, forming binding and thickening agents ranging from thick liquids to solid gels. The thick, creamy formulations of many body care and cosmetic products contain microcrystalline cellulose.
Government agencies also consider this type of cellulose suitable for food use. Processed food and pharmaceutical products often list the ingredient as cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, or cellulose gum. An ingredient might also be listed as microcrystalline cellulose or MCC. Pulp-based products that often contain the crystals include drug coatings or fillers for prescription and over-the-counter drugs and vitamin supplements.
Numerous foods contain cellulose, including baked goods, candy and ice cream. The enhanced pulp product is also found in shredded cheeses, processed meat glazes, and breaded coatings. Crystallized cellulose serves as a cheap alternative to flour, oils and sugars. The product satisfies the need for dietary fiber, reduces the calorie intake of food products and, when expanded, provides a feeling of fullness.
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