RYAM has always been at the forefront of bioproduct innovation, delivering high-performance, wood-based solutions that help industries achieve their sustainability goals. With deep expertise in high-purity cellulose and advanced biomaterials, we provide the reliable, versatile, and environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels needed for a more sustainable future. Our innovations support many modern applications including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, electronics, eyeglasses, construction materials, and tires to name a few—offering a viable, renewable solution to the small global plastics problem.
With a legacy rooted in advanced material sciences, RYAM continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our pioneering developments in cellulose-based technologies enable industries to transition toward more sustainable practices without sacrificing performance. As global markets evolve, we remain committed to expanding our portfolio of specialty materials—driven by state-of-the-art research, responsible forestry, and a relentless dedication to protecting the planet every step of the way.
RYAM Specialty Materials: High-Performance, Sustainable Solutions
- Specialty High-Purity Cellulose. Engineered to exacting purity standards, our specialty cellulose meets the rigorous demands of the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries, ensuring consistency and compliance.
- Specialty Bio-Based Polymers. As a specialty alternative to traditional plastics, our bio-based polymers support companies moving away from fossil-fuel-based materials while maintaining product integrity.
- Specialty Coatings and Additives. A plant-based alternative to synthetics, used in the formulation of capsules, coatings, and tablets, contributing to properties such as binding, film formation, and controlled release.
- Specialty Performance Fibers. Built for demanding applications, our specialty fibers provide an optimal balance of strength and sustainability, making them ideal for filtration, technical textiles, and engineered materials.
Industries That Benefit from RYAM Specialty Materials
Industries require precision, reliability, and superior performance from their materials. RYAM’s specialty solutions meet these demands while supporting a transition to more sustainable manufacturing. We are proud to partner with these industries:
Food & Beverage:
Our specialty stabilizers, functional additives, and emulsifiers enhance product consistency, extend shelf life, and support sustainability goals.
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences:
Our high-purity cellulose is ideal for capsules, excipients, and controlled-release formulations.
Personal Care & Cosmetics:
Bio-based ingredients enhance skincare, haircare, and cosmetic formulations, delivering superior texture, stability, and sustainability.
Textiles & Filtration:
High-performance fibers deliver superior filtration efficiency and enable responsible textile manufacturing with renewable, specialty materials.
Performance Tires & Automotive:
Specialty cellulose fibers improve tire durability, rolling resistance, and fuel efficiency, supporting more sustainable mobility solutions.
Construction & Coatings:
Specialty cellulose strengthens construction materials, adhesives, and coatings, delivering durability and eco-friendly performance.
Electronics & Industrial Applications:
Bio-based polymers and specialty coatings enhance product performance in electronics, industrial adhesives, and advanced manufacturing.
Specialty Bioplastics:
Our high-purity cellulose serves as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, used in products like eyeglass frames, plastic bottles, and components for cars and electronics.
Hygiene & Homecare:
Our high-purity fluff pulp delivers superior liquid absorption for hygiene and personal care products, such as diapers and sanitary products.
Biofuels:
RYAM is at the forefront of renewable energy with the development of second-generation bioethanol, supporting the transition to cleaner fuels.
The RYAM Specialty Material Advantage
- Why Choose RYAM? With a rich history of innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability, RYAM has been a pioneer in advanced bioproducts and renewable alternatives from the start. Our specialty materials not only deliver exceptional performance and consistency but also help companies achieve their sustainability and environmental goals.
- Responsibly Sourced. RYAM sources from working forests with a strict commitment to sustainability. Landowners plant more than three trees for every one harvested. Our business provides an economic driver for landowners to keep forests as forests.
- Purity & High Performance. With decades of expertise, our specialty materials undergo rigorous quality control to meet the highest industry standards for consistency, efficiency, and superior functionality.
- Tailored Solutions. We partner with customers to develop exacting specifications designed to meet precise performance requirements and support sustainability goals, ensuring a seamless fit for diverse applications.
- Reduced Footprint. RYAM’s materials are derived from renewable resources and produced using low-impact, high-efficiency processes, helping businesses achieve sustainability targets without compromising quality.
- Global Reach & Expertise. With operations worldwide, RYAM ensures reliable supply chains and regional expertise, empowering customers to scale sustainably—whether locally or across global markets.
RYAM’s Sustainability Promise
- Responsible Forestry. We follow globally recognized forestry management standards, ensuring a continuous cycle of planting, harvesting, and regrowth to preserve ecosystems and maintain long-term resource availability.
- Closed-Loop Processing. Our advanced manufacturing techniques maximize resource efficiency, minimizing waste and optimizing material use.
- Energy-Efficient Manufacturing. RYAM prioritizes energy-saving processes. In fact, 84% of the energy we consume is renewable biomass or hydropower, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We’re proud that 99% of the energy that powers our Jesup plant is produced on-site from a mix of renewable and sustainably sourced materials.
- Research & Innovation. Our scientists and engineers continuously develop new specialty materials, expanding bio-based alternatives that enhance performance while supporting sustainability goals.
Q&A
Our materials are responsibly sourced from working forests, where at least three trees are planted for everyone harvested. These forests are carefully managed to ensure long-term resource renewal while preserving ecosystems. Additionally, our products are produced using efficient, low-impact processes that reduce environmental impact.
High-purity cellulose enhances stability and controlled release in pharmaceutical formulations, making it a reliable excipient. Our materials ensure consistent quality and compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
Yes, our bio-based polymers are designed for food-contact applications, providing a renewable alternative that enhances packaging performance while supporting sustainability goals.
Absolutely. We collaborate with customers to develop tailored solutions that align with specific performance requirements and regulatory standards—ensuring both practicality and sustainability.
Contact us for expert consultation and product guidance. Our team will help identify the best specialty materials to meet your business needs and sustainability objectives.
Partner with RYAM for Performance and Sustainability
Choosing RYAM means more than just adopting alternatives to petroleum-based materials—it means advancing toward the next generation of high-performance, renewable solutions. As industries evolve to meet environmental goals, we’re here to help power the transition with innovative materials that deliver sustainability without compromise.