What to do with lignin?

In a recent set of opinion papers in the inaugural issue of Chem Catalysis a new journal by Cell Press, Dr. Peter J. Deuss of ENTEG and Christian Kugge (R&D specialist at Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget) discuss the future potential of lignin, a main component of biomass, and the way forward in enabling its use in higher value applications. Some current hurdles are presented together with novel application fields. A strong case is made for lignin-first biorefining, a concept in which lignin is no longer treated as a residual stream but purposely extracted and optionally combined catalytic depolymerization emerging fine chemical and polymer applications. It is a shared view that the key lies with new intersectoral collaborations and the training of a next generation of students with strong background in catalysis and chemical process engineering, specifically for the pulping industry.

For more information have a look at the original papers

• https://www.cell.com/chem-catalysis/fulltext/S2667-1093(21)00035-X
• https://www.cell.com/chem-catalysis/fulltext/S2667-1093(21)00034-8