Project description
Creating value from pulp mill waste streams
Every year, value in 100 million metric tonnes of bio-based raw material is squandered, representing a significant environmental and economic challenge. Much of this material is found in pulp mills, where valuable resources are underutilized, missing an opportunity to serve ecosystems. In this context, the EIC-funded LignEasy project will unlock the potential of pulp mill waste streams, converting them into valuable lignin products without disrupting existing processes. Specifically, the project will use technology that integrates into production systems without disrupting mill processes. Lignin’s versatility allows for various applications, such as phenolic resin in plywood manufacturing. Overall, LignEasy pioneers the circular economy, benefiting both pulp and manufacturing sectors, while ushering in a new era of resource efficiency.
Objective
LignEasy technology helps to unlock the potential of a high-scale bio-based raw material which is currently wasted on a 100 Mt/a scale.
With game-changing technology, a pulp mill waste stream can be processed into value-added lignin products without affecting the pulp mill's process. The LignEasy technology is efficient, sustainable, and scalable.
In brief:
- The process is integrated into pulp mills' production system
- Pulp mills side stream is utilized for lignin production
- Lignin is sold to the chemical industry as feedstock
LignEasy product’s benefit is its high suitability for several end-product use cases as the product can be chemically modified. A flagship application has been demonstrated: phenolic resin in plywood manufacturing. Further uses are pursued.
LignEasy brings to market the circular economy concept for industrial waste streams. Positive environmental impacts are gained both in the pulp and manufacturing industries.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF - HORIZON EIC Accelerator Blended FinanceCoordinator
00130 HELSINKI
Finland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.