KraftLignin.com believes it’s important to recognize our leaders in the kraft lignin industry. It would be impossible to identify everyone who’s made a difference or significant contribution to the industry. But we must begin somewhere, which is the purpose for this page. We would love to receive your feedback and information on the leaders we may not be familiar with.
Engineers & Consultants
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Dr. Wilton “Dale” Mitchell
Dale is the owner of kraftlignin.com and Pine Chemical Services LLC, a “hands-on” manufacturing and consulting firm focused on lignin, turpentine, and tall oil processes and sales. Prior to PCS, Dale served as Director of Biomaterials Business Development and Sales at Domtar for over 10 years. Dale's area of expertise is product development and commercialization of lignin, and he has sold an estimated 150,000 dry short tons of lignin into numerous global markets. Dale has a unique professional profile that blends industry experience and a doctorate in Biblical Studies. This rare combination has defined his approach for advancing lignin and forging lasting partnerships across the bioeconomy.
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Dr. Michael Lake
Michael can help companies develop the business case for starting a lignin project, including processes for recovering and purifying lignin and marketing approaches for sales of lignin products. After getting his PhD from Clemson, Michael joined Westvaco in Charleston SC in 1974. Michael worked for 34 years in a variety of technical and managerial positions developing and marketing new products and processes for natural products from trees, focusing on lignin, rosin, and fatty acid but including sterols and levulinic acid. During an insightful five years, Michael led a group of ten professionals who gleaned “near miss” opportunities during Westvaco’s history with lignin-based products, starting when Westvaco first started manufacturing and selling lignin in the 1940’s. For the last 12 years, Michael has been a consultant for a wide variety of clients spanning four continents. One of Michael’s clients referred to him as the “Godfather of Lignin”.
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Masood Akhtar Ph.D.
Masood is a powerhouse in the field of energy efficiency , renewable energy, and sustainability. Masood has over 35 years of experience which includes investment management. Masood is currently president of CleanTech Partners and is the co-founder of the Biorenewable Deployment Consortium. Masood’s influence extends beyond business, as evidenced by his involvement in numerous policy and advisory roles. On request of the U.S. Congress, Masood has testified before committees on energy related issues. Masood serves as a strategic partner to Ara Partners, who invests in technologies and businesses that help to lower emissions and reduce waste.