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™ lignin product family under development by Metsä Fibre is refined from pulp production side streams. Potential end-uses for lignin products include, for example, concrete plasticisers and other dispersants.
Lignin demo plant at Äänekoski
The demo plant for lignin refining, built by Metsä Fibre and ANDRITZ in connection with the Äänekoski bioproduct mill, started up in early 2026. The plant’s nameplate capacity is two tonnes of a new type of lignin product per day.
Potential end-uses for Metsä LigO™ products:
- Construction markets
- Pigments
- Water treatment
- Mining