A method for processing cellulose ester. The method includes combining, via a compounding system, a cellulose ester feedstock and an additive to form a compounded cellulose ester material. The compounded cellulose ester material has a moisture content of no more than 2 wt. %. An additional step includes providing the compounded cellulose ester material to a processing system and processing, via the processing system, the compounded cellulose ester material to form a cellulose ester item. The providing of the compounded cellulose ester material to the processing system is performed within twenty-four hours of the compounded cellulose ester material being formed.