Seeking partners for lignin launch
As one of the world’s largest producers of pulp from forest raw materials, Södra extracts millions of tonnes of lignin from wood annually. However, with its bonding properties, lignin has significant potential as a sustainable material. The plans to make lignin available to the market, in large quantities and in consistent quality, mark the latest progress towards the aspiration that no part of the tree should ever go to waste.
Just as it does inside a tree, lignin today is used mostly as a binder in the chemical industry, and above all in different types of glue. But a much wider use of lignin is possible since its phenolic structure is excellent as a base for chemicals and raw materials that are currently based on fossil materials. Lignin has been used for several decades for various applications, including as a dispersant for concrete and plasterboard, and as a binder in road stabilization and animal feed. Now the second-generation lignin is here, a kraft lignin available in solid form, offering many new uses.
Södra plans to make large volumes of this new type of lignin ready for the market and seeks new partnerships to do so, in order to find answers to the questions: where can lignin do most good? And how could lignin make a difference in the transition to a fossil-free society?
“A sustainable society needs to find new ways of using natural resources,” said Vice President Södra Cell Bioproducts Johannes Bogren. “Around a quarter of a tree consists of lignin which means our pulp mills produce it in large quantities. We always strive to make the best possible use of our forest raw material and lignin has the potential to replace fossil materials and contribute to the green transition.”
Södra Cell Bioproducts Sales Manager Viktor Odenbrink: “Research is underway for everything from lightweight automotive components to a sustainable ingredient in road surfacing. We are already talking to several like-minded companies about lignin, but our type of kraft lignin is still a new and largely unexplored raw material. That’s why we’re looking for people who’d like to start a conversation about supporting a fossil-free society together. Could lignin be a future raw material for you and your business? If so, come and explore its potential with us.”
Potential partners should contact Johannes Bogren, Vice President Södra Cell Bioproducts or Viktor Odenbrink, Sales Manager Södra Cell Bioproducts for further information.
Contact us
Vice President Södra Bioproducts Phone: +46 340 63 34 15
Sales Director, Södra Bioproducts Phone: +46 470 890 25
