01 Jan - 01 Jan 2021

Lignin is a Valuable Renewable Resource for Europe’s Bio-based Industries.

Every year, approximately 60 million tons of lignin is extracted from wood as a by-product of the pulping industry. It is the most important by-product produced in lignocellulosic biorefineries, and even more is expected to originate from bioethanol production in the future.

• Lignocellulosic biorefineries are looking for opportunities to valorise the lignin by-products in high-value products instead of direct energy production to improve cost-competitiveness.

• The chemical industry is looking for sustainable, low cost raw materials for the replacement of oil-based products.

• Technically, economically, and sustainably viable lignin upgrading process technologies that are adaptable to lignin side-streams originating from different processes and raw materials needs to be urgently commercialised.