Lignin: The Natural Strength of the Forest
A versatile polymer minimizing fossil dependency across industries
Hidden within the heart of every tree, is a powerful substance providing resilience and strength. Lignin is a valuable biomaterial and a sustainable alternative for fossil-based materials across industries.
The need for sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials has never been more urgent. Lignin is an extremely versatile material, providing the second biggest source of renewable carbon on the planet after cellulose. It´s a product from the manufacturing of pulp and paper and primarily used as fuel for energy production, lignin has now demonstrated significant potential as a raw material to address challenges across a wide range of industries.
Pure natural potential
Lignin is a complex plant-derived polymer found in the cell walls of almost all dry-land plants, acting as a natural and strong binder. It binds cellulose and hemicellulose together, giving wood its stiffness and resistance to rotting. Trees are composed of 20-30 percent lignin and after cellulose, it is the biggest renewable source of carbon in the world.
Numerous applications
The potential of Lignin is great, with the potential to replace traditional materials in construction, coatings, binders and plastics. Lignin can replace fossil-based phenols in resins for plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), paper lamination and insulation material. Lignin also has potential in the future for carbon fibre and carbon for energy storage.
Stora Enso has the world’s most comprehensive lignin portfolio.
