M49TEC granules
A new path toward sustainability

A new formulation for new markets
Constantly committed to researching and developing sustainable alternatives to plastic, Mazzucchelli created in 2010 M49, a next-generation bioplastic in which the traditional plasticizer was replaced with a plant-based plasticizer, making M49 a material with a remarkable bio-based content. The result of a pioneering vision that began more than 15 years ago, M49 today represents one of the most advanced materials in the field of sustainable alternatives to plastic, combining aesthetics, performance and environmental responsibility.
Building on the experience gained from processing this innovative material, M49TEC was developed — a new formulation of biodegradable acetate granules designed to further expand the application potential of cellulose acetate.
M49TEC opens the way to new solutions in the most demanding sectors thanks to its suitability for food contact, from cosmetic packaging to product and consumer accessory design, while ensuring safety, reliability and processing versatility.
Produced from cellulose derived from responsibly managed wood according to FSC standards, M49TEC reaffirms Mazzucchelli’s leadership in the research and development of sustainable alternatives to plastic, capable of meeting the needs of a market increasingly focused on quality and sustainability.

From M49 to M49TEC: Mazzucchelli 1849 innovation
Mazzucchelli went beyond its M49 product, undertaking an extensive path of research, studies and experimentation to develop a material perfectly suited for the cosmetic market. To meet the requirements of this sector, the material must comply with food contact suitability standards — a definition that encompasses various levels of safety and does not necessarily imply direct contact with food. From this need, M49TEC was born.
| Sustainability | Biodegradability | Food contact** | |
| Standard granules | 42%-67%* | no | no |
| M49 granules | 67%-96%* | yes | no |
| M49TEC | 67%-96%* | yes | yes |
| *with CRT | **only for cosmetic applications |
Processing and applications of M49TEC granules
One of the key strengths of M49TEC acetate granules is their extraordinary processing flexibility. This is ensured by an exclusive formulation developed by Mazzucchelli’s research laboratories, which allows the material to easily adapt to different production technologies, from injection molding to extrusion and 3D printing, opening up new opportunities in sectors that demand high technical and aesthetic performance.
The applications of M49TEC acetate granules range from cosmetic packaging, where transparency, purity and tactile feel are key elements, to the production of fashion accessories.
High standards of transparency and colorability are combined with a pleasant tactile experience, while maintaining the sustainability characteristics inherent to cellulose acetate: biodegradability, renewable origin and low environmental impact. M49TEC thus represents a unique solution on the market, capable of combining aesthetics, performance and environmental responsibility.
In this way, Mazzucchelli reaffirms its leadership in the processing of sustainable materials, offering its industrial partners an advanced and versatile material ideal for shaping new projects and markets.
| Std granules | M49 granules | M49TEC granules | Biocomposites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion accessories | Sì | Sì | Sì | Sì |
| Eyewear | Sì | Sì | No | Sì |
| Cosmetic packaging | Sì | No | Sì | Sì |
| Tooling | Sì | No | Sì | No |
| Personal accessories | Sì | Sì | Sì | Sì |
| Oil containers | Sì | No | No | No |
| Extrusion products | Sì | Sì | No | Sì |
| 3D printing | Sì | Sì | Sì | No |
Discover all the details about the possible applications of the material by visiting the page dedicated to the applications of M49TEC acetate granules.
Mazzucchelli innovation to your industry
If you’re interested in using our granules, you can contact us to receive dedicated consultation, technical insights, or request material samples.
Between innovation and sustainability: Mazzucchelli 1849
Choosing Mazzucchelli means choosing the world leader in the processing of M49 cellulose acetate, a company that for generations has set the standards of quality, innovation and sustainability in the sector.
Mazzucchelli’s ongoing research into alternatives to plastic has led to the development of cutting-edge solutions capable of meeting the needs of ever-evolving markets: from design to eyewear, from cosmetic packaging to technical applications. Collaborating with Mazzucchelli provides access to the latest sustainable innovations, tested and validated by a team of experts who support each client throughout every stage of the project.
What sets Mazzucchelli apart from its competitors is a unique combination of historical expertise and pioneering vision:
- Over 175 years of experience in the processing of cellulose acetate.
- Innovation and sustainability as guiding principles in every development.
- Rigorous quality controls and fully traceable production processes.
- Technical service and personalized support for every application.
- International certifications and recognitions that attest to the brand’s reliability.
Choosing Mazzucchelli means relying on a solid, visionary, and skilled partner capable of transforming materials into value.
Certified Reliability
The quality of our cellulose acetate granules is confirmed by internationally recognized certifications that attest to compliance with environmental, safety and resource management standards.
All materials used comply with REACH, RoHS and Proposition 65 regulations, which govern chemical safety and the restriction of hazardous substances, ensuring the protection of human health and the environment.
In addition, the materials have undergone rigorous dermatological testing to ensure their compatibility with prolonged skin contact (ISO 10993).
A concrete commitment to transparency, traceability, and sustainability throughout the entire supply chain.
Other Mazzucchelli acetate granules
In addition to M49TEC granules, Mazzucchelli’s offering includes:
FAQ
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What are M49TEC granules?+M49TEC granules are based on cellulose acetate with raw materials included in the list of components approved for food contact and derived from renewable sources, ensuring product biodegradability according to EN13432 standards.
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Can M49TEC granules be colored?+M49TEC granules can be colored in endless shades to produce transparent, translucent, opaque, and pearlescent products.
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Can M49TEC granules be customized?+Our granules can be tailored for customer applications by varying the amount of plasticizer to achieve different physical-mechanical and sustainability characteristics. In addition, we can produce an infinite range of color variants.
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In which sectors can M49TEC granules be used?+The M49TEC formulation is specifically designed to meet the requirements of packaging applications, particularly cosmetic packaging, for industries increasingly focused on eco-friendly materials. Our M49TEC granules are also an ideal choice for sustainable and functional items in the sectors of fashion jewelry, personal accessories, tools and decorative objects.
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What are the differences between standard cellulose acetate granules and M49TEC?+M49TEC granules use a plasticizer from renewable sources and have a higher sustainability content than standard granules, in addition to being biodegradable.
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Does Mazzucchelli 1849 provide consulting for the development of products using M49TEC granules?+Mazzucchelli 1849’s technical team supports customers in fine-tuning granule formulations according to machinery requirements and final applications. Mazzucchelli 1849 laboratories can provide analysis and prototyping of new granules specifically developed for clients.
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Are Mazzucchelli M49TEC granules certified?+M49TEC granules comply with REACH, RoHS, and Proposition 65 regulations, contain no PFAS, and are tested according to ISO 10993 standards to ensure compatibility with prolonged skin contact.
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What are the differences between M49 and M49TEC?+Both M49 and M49TEC are produced with a high content of renewable raw materials and are biodegradable. The main difference is that M49TEC is formulated using components included in the positive list of substances suitable for food contact and passes certain food-contact tests, making it a compliant material for cosmetic packaging production.
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Can M49TEC be used to produce disposable plates, cutlery or food storage trays?+M49TEC is not suitable for use with all types of food and therefore is not suitable for these applications.
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Is Mazzucchelli 1849 ISO 9001 certified?+Yes. In addition to ISO 9001 certification, Mazzucchelli also holds ISCC PLUS certification for materials produced using Acetate Renew/CRT (Carbon Renewal Technology) raw materials.
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What are the differences between M49TEC and other plastics?+M49TEC has a very high sustainability content because it is partly derived from renewable resources and is easy to process, requiring less energy than fully synthetic plastics. Furthermore, its certified biodegradability distinguishes M49TEC granules even from traditional plastics containing percentages of renewable raw materials such as PA, PP and PE. The tactile feel, aesthetics and color brilliance differentiate M49TEC objects from both traditional plastics and other bioplastics.
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Can I request samples and brochures?+Mazzucchelli 1849 is available to provide complete technical information about its products and to supply samples of the materials it manufactures.


