Identifying factors affecting the supply and demand of nanocellulose in Iran using the SWOT method and providing a suitable solution

Background and objectives: Due to its many applications in other industries, nanocelluloses have attracted the attention of governments and investors. The recognition and potential of nanocellulose has encouraged countries to invest in this green product. However, in Iran, Production of nanocellulose is still in the laboratory Scale due to unidentified challenges and thus, it has not yet reached the huge production. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks of the proposed situation and the use of nanocellulose in Iran using the SWOT method.
Materials and methods: The indicators affecting the state of supply and demand of nanocellulose were presented and completed and identified by 10 experts consisting of academic professors and private manufacturing and technology companies and knowledge-based in three stages (or three rounds) by Delphi questionnaire. Then, using the studies and opinions of the scientific professors of the related field and several member manufacturing companies, the internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) affecting the supply and demand situation of nanocellulose were identified in the separate tables of the SWOT analysis.
Results: In the strengths of 8 indicators (creating high added value to the raw material and nanocellulose products - diversity and availability of the raw material - biocompatibility and biodegradability of the nanocellulose product - the ability to produce a new generation of efficient products with nanocellulose - creating sustainable development with the commercialization of nanocellulose - The share of manpower with high local technical knowledge - the need for less space for the production of nanocellulose - the variety of nanocellulose products) and in the weak points of 9 indicators (the size change of nanocellulose during drying - the high cost of energy, operation, land and machinery - the need for High investment - high cost of drying nanocellulose - lack of investment by the government and banks - low production efficiency - lack of efficiency of the equipment in companies for use in nanocellulose - production in the form of nanocellulose gel (with water) - expensiveness of nanocellulose production method compared to competitors ) and the opportunity points of 7 indicators (use of nanocellulose in various fields - high innovation and virginity of the field of nanocellulose applications - attracting foreign investors and the private sector - suitable export markets in the region - the possibility of accessing the technical knowledge of other countries' production - the need for high research and development - Government support for the nanocellulose production industry - high acceleration of transformation in nanocellulose products in the world) and opportunity points of 8 indicators (raw materials and alternative products - customization of nanocellulose - low price of raw materials and competing products - expensiveness of nanocellulose - lack of special production machines and equipment - Managers' lack of risk-taking in using hi-tech and new products-difficulty introducing and promoting new products in the market) were identified, each of which affects the supply and demand of nanocellulose.
Conclusion: The indicators affecting the supply and demand of nanocellulose were identified by experts through the Delphi and SWOT methods, and these factors have a significant effect on it, and by applying the presented solutions, mass production and commercialization of nanocellulose can be achieved in Iran.