Unlocking value from untapped woody waste

This new process converts lignin into a 'green' ingredient for high-value products

Spotted: Lignin is a natural polymer found in plants and a major component of plant biomass. The biggest source of lignin is the pulp and paper industry, where it is often discarded as waste. Lignin’s unique properties, such as its rigid three-dimensional structure and resistance to degradation, make it an attractive material for use in a variety of industries, including bioplastics, adhesives, and carbon fibre production.

Until very recently the lignin’s potential has not been reached, because its chemical structure is difficult to work with. Lignopure GmbH is one of those hoping to change this by establishing lignin as a mainstream sustainable material for use as a replacement for chemicals used in high-quality applications such as home care products.

In its natural state, lignin is embedded in a cellulose framework that gives plants their toughness and stability. The extraction of lignin results in an amorphous and complex to handle material, and being able to use lignin in standardised manufacturing processes involves controlling the particle size and shape.

Lignopure has achieved this with a proprietary process that transforms the lignin into a ready-to-use flowing lignin powder that can be easily incorporated into different products and solutions for a variety of industries. The company’s process is also environmentally friendly and free of harmful chemicals that can alter the natural structure of the lignin.

Lignin is a waste product that has a wide number of potential uses, including in dietary supplements or the production of vegan leather – making it a viable alternative for the use of many less-sustainable materials. In fact, Marketing and Business Development Manager Gabriela Meza Armenta told Springwise that Lignopure aims to be an all-round lignin service partner to help industries “looking to reduce their fossil-based materials and to transition towards cleaner bio-based solutions,” and that they “aim to accelerate the development of a robust lignin-based greener economy.”

One of the company’s first products is LignoBase, which is designed as a multifunctional lignin-based ingredient for the cosmetics sector. Armenta told Springwise that the company is actively exploring new applications for its lignin-based technology in various industries, such as nutraceuticals, textiles, and cosmetics.

Written By: Lisa Magloff