FAQs
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Kraft lignin is produced in the Kraft pulping process, which uses alkaline chemicals, like sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide to seperate the lignin from the cellulose fibers of wood. Kraft lignin is hydophobic, it is not water soluble. Lignosulfonates are produced in the Sulfite pulping process, which uses sulfurous acid and sulfite salts to cook wood chips. Lignosulfonates are water soluble. Kraft lignin and Lignosulfonates - are not the same. It’s an apples and oranges thing.
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Lignin packaging could make the difference in being profitable or unprofitable.
Lignin is typically shipped in bulk bags, sometimes referred to as “Super Sacks”. There are many types of fabric used to make bulk bags, with the most common being Type A, Type B, and Type C. Unlike Type “A” bags, the “B” and “C” bags have characteristics which prevent sparks and possible explosions. Bulk bags typically come “coated” or “uncoated”, with the coated bags having the lowest porosity. It’s not uncommon the see moisture loss from the faces of the uncoated bags. We can’t overemphasize the importance of selecting the right bags for your lignin, and carefully doing a “cost vs benefit” study. It’s also important to understand that different countries have requirements for the type bags used for lignin. Do your homework !!!
One should ALWAYS carefully consider the size bag required. A good rule of thumb is the larger the bag, the lower the packaging costs. The lowest cost size would be one huge bag inside a container or truck. Of course this isn’t practical for all customers. But as a general rule, when the bags get smaller the price of packaging and handling goes up, adding substantially to the delivered cost of lignin.
We’ll say it again “Do Your Homework !” The fact that you’re reading this section shows that you’re doing just that ! This is important !
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There are links to the various lignin manufacturers’ throughout this website. The lignin experts at KraftLignin.com are the best single point of contact for kraft lignin in North America. If Kraftlignin.com doesn’t have it, we can direct you to someone who can provide what you’re looking for.
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Be careful and do not believe everything you read in market reports about Kraft lignin. As experts in Kraft lignin markets, we have observed that many published reports contain outdated data, inaccurate assumptions, and misleading conclusions. We have seen reports that quite simply are wrong, incomplete, and misleading. While market reports can be useful, one should approach them critically and not accept every claim at face value. It’s important to evaluate the source, understand the methodology, and compare findings across multiple reports if available. Inaccurate data is “out there”, making due diligence essential.
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In most cases the answer is “no.” Odor has been one of the greatest challenges for researchers using kraft lignin. There has been some progress in reducing the smell, but not eliminating it. In some applications, where kraft lignin is used as an intermediate, the smell does go away. However, odor will be an issue for most drop-in applications.
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Kraftlignin.com, owned by Pine Chemical Services LLC, is the industry’s central hub for all things related to Kraft lignin - connecting producers, users, and experts across the value chain. Backed by decades of hands-on experience with Kraft lignin production, quality control, R&D, and market development, Pine Chemical Services LLC brings unmatched industry insight. Over the past 10 years, Dr. Mitchell has personally marketed and distributed approximately 150,000 dry short tons of Kraft lignin into commercial applications - arguably making him the most experienced kraft lignin marketer and distributer in the world. Kraftlignin.com is where that expertise comes together to support global lignin markets.
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Absolutely not. Lignin characteristics vary depending on the tree species, as well as site specific kraft pulping processes.
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The lignin experts at kraftlignin.com are aware of kraft lignin being stored over two years without any change in properties.
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Not necessarily. Drying affects the density of lignin. As you dry lignin, you move from shipping “bricks” to shipping “pillows”.
