In a groundbreaking development with major implications for both the global dairy industry and sustainable manufacturing, researchers at University College London (UCL) have successfully extracted manufacturing-grade cellulose from cow dung—marking the first time such a feat has been achieved using animal waste.
Published in The Journal of Cleaner Production, the study introduces an innovative technology known as horizontal nozzle-pressurised spinning, a novel method to create high-quality cellulose fibres, films, ribbons, and meshes from dairy waste. The technique enhances material circularity and offers a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cellulose production.
“Dairy farm waste, especially cow manure, poses serious environmental threats through greenhouse gas emissions, waterway pollution, and pathogen spread,” said Yanqi Dai, lead author and mechanical engineering researcher at UCL. “This technique turns that waste into a valuable industrial resource.”
♻️ From Waste to Wealth
Cow dung, rich in undigested plant cellulose, is usually treated as a disposal challenge. However, UCL’s team found a way to extract and convert those residual cellulose fragments into a usable form through mild chemical processing and homogenization. The liquid cellulose solution is then transformed into usable fibre via a horizontal spinning vessel submerged in water.
This method builds upon pressurised spinning technology, which combines rotational and pressure forces to create materials. The UCL researchers found that by altering the vessel orientation and using water flow dynamics, the cellulose could be formed into versatile shapes for varied manufacturing uses, including cling film, surgical masks, packaging, paper, textiles, and even pharmaceuticals.
“We were surprised at how well this worked once we changed our approach,” said Professor Mohan Edirisinghe, senior author. “It’s scalable, energy-efficient, and doesn’t require the hazardous chemicals used in synthetic cellulose production.”
🐄 A New Frontier for Dairy Farmers
The researchers believe this technique can be a game-changer for dairy farmers worldwide, including India, by turning an environmental liability into a revenue stream. The UCL team seeks partnerships with dairy farms to commercialise and scale up the process.
“This technology aligns perfectly with India’s push for sustainable dairy farming, waste valorization, and rural innovation,” noted a senior dairy policy analyst in India. “If adopted strategically, it could support both dairy climate solutions and rural bio-economy goals.”
With India producing over 300 million tonnes of cow dung annually, this innovation presents a massive untapped opportunity to reduce methane emissions, lower input costs, and foster circular economy practices across the Indian dairy industry.
