Lignin is a natural biopolymer which can be found in the cell walls of plants. In pulp production, lignin is separated from the wood into black liquor in the chemical cycle and used as bioenergy. Lignin could also be used in chemical and material applications to replace fossil based components.
Metsä LigO™ – a renewable lignin-based polymer
Metsä LigO™, a family of bio-based polymers, is an example of the full utilization of wood. It is refined from pulp production side streams and developed into a high-performance bio-based products aiming to create added value for customers. It offers industrial manufacturers new pathway to explore lower-carbon material solutions and reduce reliance on fossil-based raw materials in selected applications.
The product is currently being developed and commercialized by Metsä Spring, Metsä Group’s innovation company, in close connection with Metsä Fibre’s industrial wood-based ecosystem. Development is supported by a demo plant located in Metsä Äänekoski bioproduct mill, Finland, enabling industrial-scale sample production and collaboration with industrial partners.
Metsä LigO™ is being evaluated for its potential to bring renewable carbon into application areas such as polyurethanes, adhesives, rubber, dispersant and plasticizer solutions for example for concrete and gypsum boards.