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 to Äänekoski
Metsä Fibre and Andritz are building a demo plant for lignin refining in connection with the Äänekoski bioproduct mill. The demo plant is scheduled to be completed in late 2025. The plant’s daily capacity will be two tonnes of the lignin product.
Potential end-uses for Metsä LigO™ products:
- Construction markets
- Pigments
- Water treatment
- Mining