August 1, 2024   /   , , , ,

The German Wood Industry: Lignin as a Key to a More Sustainable Future

Excerpt from the speech by Wolfgang Beck, SVP Global Wood Procurement, at the 74th Annual Conference of the Council of the German Wood Industry 2024 (Part 3 of 4)

The biorefinery as a model for the future

The use of lignin, a by-product of pulp production that has often gone unused in the past, as a material opens up new avenues for the pulp and paper industry in terms of sustainability and resource efficiency. Mercer, a leading player in the industry, has recognized the potential of lignin and is investing in innovative technologies to convert this raw material into valuable and durable products.

The pilot plant at Mercer Rosenthal: an important milestone

The commissioning of the pilot plant for lignin extraction in Rosenthal, Thuringia, marks an important step in developing a sustainable lignin value chain. The plant enables Mercer to extract lignin in larger quantities and to test various processes for further processing.

High-quality products made from lignin

Research and development is focused on producing high-quality lignin-based products that can be used in various industries. These include:

  • Battery components: Lignin can be used to produce electrodes and other components for lithium-ion batteries, which are used in electric vehicles and other applications.
  • Adhesives: Lignin-based adhesives can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional adhesives in the wood-based materials industry, the construction industry and other sectors.
  • Bio-oils: Lignin can be converted into biofuels and other bio-oils that can replace fossil fuels and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Thermosets and thermoplastics: Lignin can produce durable plastics for a variety of applications, such as automotive parts, packaging, and electronics.
  • Aromatics: Lignin can be a source of aromatic compounds used in the chemical industry to produce dyes, paints, fragrances, and other products.

Biorefinery: New ways in pulp production

Increased use of lignin could fundamentally change the pulp industry. Instead of burning lignin as a by-product, pulp mills could become biorefineries where various products are extracted from wood. This would increase added value and reduce environmental impact and dependence on fossil raw materials.

Independence from specific tree species

Another advantage of using lignin is that it reduces dependence on certain types of trees. Since lignin is found in all types of wood, lower-quality wood varieties or waste wood can also be used to produce lignin. This opens up new perspectives for forestry and can help to manage forests more sustainably.

Challenges and outlook

The development of a sustainable lignin value chain is associated with challenges. Lignin extraction and processing requires innovative technologies and investments in research and development. In addition, standards and certifications must be developed to ensure the quality and sustainability of lignin products.                                                                                                          Despite these challenges, lignin’s potential is enormous. Increased use of this raw material can help make the timber industry more sustainable, resource-efficient, and competitive. Mercer is a pioneer in using lignin and shows that transforming the timber industry towards climate neutrality is possible.

Top