Top researchers to share groundbreaking renewable material innovations on nanocellulose applications
ATLANTA (June 10, 2025)–TAPPI’s 2025 International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials (TAPPI Nano 2025), July 8-11 in Girona, Spain will feature three distinguished scientists whose groundbreaking work is advancing the frontiers of sustainable nanomaterials and nanocellulose applications across multiple industries. Jose M. Lagarón, Ph.D., IATA-CSIC and Bionicia Group, Spain; Carmen Freire, Ph.D., CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Portugal; and Wim Thielemans, Ph.D., KU Leuven, Belgium / Université de Lille, France will present the keynotes at this year’s conference.
“We are thrilled to have such impactful scientists presenting at this year’s conference,” said TAPPI CEO and President Larry N. Montague. “The potential uses of renewable materials and their impact on the circular economy is astounding. This event will provide the perfect incubator for ideas and innovation.”
Dr. Lagarón will highlight scalable solutions using nanocellulose in industrial settings in the opening keynote, “Industrial applications of commercial and biowaste-derived nanocellulose in biocomposites, biomultilayers, and biopapers” on Tuesday, July 8. Lagarón is a full professor at the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) and is a global authority on biopolymers and nanotechnology. He has led major EU projects including ECOBIOCAP and YPACK, focusing on nanocellulose-based packaging innovations. Lagarón has written over 360 peer-reviewed publications and holds 75 patents.
Dr. Freire will delve into her pioneering research at the intersection of biorenewable polymers and material design in Wednesday’s keynote, “Exploring the assembly of amyloid nanofibrils and nanocellulose fibers for the design of advanced sustainable nanomaterials.” Her presentation will explore the development of hybrid bio-based materials for use in packaging, electronics, and biomedical devices, showcasing the potential of nanocellulose and protein fibrils in creating high-performance, sustainable systems.
Dr. Thielemans will share his latest findings on the structure and behavior of cellulose nanocrystals, with a focus on their self-assembly into chiral nematic phases. In his presentation, “3D imaging and understanding the structure of the chiral nematic phase of cellulose nanocrystal suspensions,” he will offer new insights into the fundamental science driving optical and mechanical properties in nanocellulose-based materials.
TAPPI Nano 2025 brings together top researchers, industry leaders, and innovators for three days of cutting-edge science, networking, and collaboration. Its comprehensive program offers a rare opportunity to learn from world-class researchers, engage with global industry leaders, and explore the latest in nanocellulose applications, materials chemistry, and green innovation. To learn more about the keynote speakers, the conference or to register, visit https://conference.tappinano.org.
About the TAPPI International Division of Advanced Technologies for Renewable Materials
The Division is comprised of scientists, technical professionals, students and other stakeholders who work to advance the research, development, and deployment of renewable nanomaterials to help meet the materials needs of people and society, share and disseminate knowledge and information on responsible production, use, and disposal of advanced renewable materials, and advance the science and technology supporting the production, modification, and end user applications. The Division’s Technical Committees work together throughout the year to solve problems, develop technical papers, plan conference sessions, and more. For more information and to get involved, visit https://www.tappi.org/members/divisions--committees/nanotechnology/.
About TAPPI:
TAPPI is the leading association for the worldwide pulp, paper, tissue, packaging and converting industries, and publisher of Paper360° Magazine, Tissue360° Magazine and TAPPI Journal. Through information exchange, events, trusted content and networking opportunities, TAPPI helps members elevate their performance by providing solutions that lead to better, faster and more cost-effective ways of doing business. TAPPI celebrates 110 years of service this year for the forest products industry. For more information, visit tappi.org.
