PAPER making! FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL ® FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TEC Volume 12, Number 1, 2026
Synergistic cellulase–xylanase formulations for enhanced dewatering and fiber bonding toward energy-efficient and sustainable paper and packaging production NELSON BARRIOS 1,2 , MARIA E. GONZALEZ 1 , NISHME ZABIB 1 , RICHARD A. VENDITTI 1 & LOKENDRA PAL 1,3 A mechanistic understanding of the synergistic effects of enzymes on cellulosic fibers dewatering and fiber bonding is essential for advancing energy-efficiency and lightweight production of paper and packaging materials. This study investigates the impact of varying cellulase and xylanase formulations on equilibrium moisture content (EMC) after pressing and tensile strength of cellulosic fiber webs using a factorial experimental design. Nine custom enzyme formulations were evaluated at controlled dosages ranging from ~20 to 76 FPU/mL cellulase and ~500–1130 IU/mL xylanase. Response surface modeling revealed a significant synergy, particularly at 20–40 FPU/mL cellulase combined with ≥ 1000 IU/mL xylanase. Under these conditions, EMC decreased by up to 3.6% compared with the untreated refined control, while tensile index gains of up to 16% were statistically significant for optimized blends (p < 0.05). The interaction between cellulase and xylanase was also significant for the tensile response (p = 0.010). Protein efficiency analysis showed that optimized formulations containing 30–40% less protein outperformed the commercial benchmark. The nonlinear synergy between cellulase and xylanase is attributed to their complementary substrate specificities. Endoglucanase- and β Ǧ glucosidase Ǧ rich cellulases hydrolyze internal β Ǧ 1,4 Ǧ glycosidic bonds in amorphous cellulose, loosening fiber walls and increasing flexibility, while xylanases target hemicellulose, primarily xylan-rich domains, enhancing porosity and improve cellulase accessibility. Tailoring enzyme formulations at low loadings overcomes traditional trade-offs between strength and dewatering, enabling cost-effective, energy-efficient, low-carbon solutions for sustainable packaging and hygiene products. Contact information: 1 Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, 431 Dan Allen Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, United States. 2 Sappi North America, Technology Center, 300 Warren Avenue, Westbrook, ME 04092, United States. 3 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, NC State University, 840 Entrepreneur Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 14 (2026) 122184 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2026.122184 Creative Commons Attribution-4.0 International License The Paper Industry Technical Association (PITA) is an independent organisation which operates for the general benefit of its members – both individual and corporate – dedicated to promoting and improving the technical and scientific knowledge of those working in the UK pulp and paper industry. Formed in 1960, it serves the Industry, both manufacturers and suppliers, by providing a forum for members to meet and network; it organises visits, conferences and training seminars that cover all aspects of papermaking science. It also publishes the prestigious journal Paper Technology International ® and the PITA Annual Review , both sent free to members, and a range of other technical publications which include conference proceedings and the acclaimed Essential Guide to Aqueous Coating .
Article 5 – Enzymes
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