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 Fibre's new lignin product will be processed from the side streams of pulp production. Potential end-uses for oxidised lignin include concrete plasticisers and other dispersants.
Oxidised 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 oxidised lignin:
- Construction markets
- Pigments
- Water treatment
- Mining