Lignin: a promising renewable resource for bio-based products

Did you know that wood is composed mainly out of cellulose and lignin? To produce writing paper or even toilet paper, only the cellulose of the wood is needed. As a result, the paper industry generates more than 50 million tons of lignin worldwide as a by-product. To ensure this by-product does not go to waste, it is currently mainly dried and burnt to generate electricity for the pulp and paper industry. But lignin is a wood component that is proving to also be a particularly promising renewable resource to produce bio-based products.  

Where is lignin already used? 

Due to the binding, dispersing, emulsifying and sequestering properties of lignin-based polymers, SAPPI uses them in applications such as bricks, chipboards, and recycled packaging. Lignopure uses them as additives to products to reinforce them, protect them from fire and UV, and as anti-oxidant.   

What potential does lignin have? 

The chemical company Evonik considers lignin to be a promising candidate for the development of high- performance polymers. Electrolysis – a technique which relies on (renewable) energy – can be used to ‘cut’ the biopolymer lignin into monomers, which can then be processed further into high performance polymers. In the near future, lifestyle products such as sunglasses could be manufactured using polyamides made from lignin-based monomers. The same applies to components that are still made of steel and other metals, in the automotive and construction industries, for example. 

Another novel application for lignin includes a project by Avantium to reduce the carbon footprint of road construction. By collaborating with academics, Avantium aims to test a new approach to substantially reduce CO2 emissions from road construction by using lignin as a substitute for fossil-based bitumen in asphalt. The first road to test the asphalt is foreseen in The Netherlands. 

Conclusion 

Whether used to generate energy, or applied in bio-based products, lignin offers an alternative to fossil fuels that limits the amount of CO₂ released in the atmosphere. As such, a lot of research is being done around lignin, including by Lignin Club and IUT. 

Associated SDG Targets