Press
Development of Liquid Lignin™ Technology
For more than a century, synthetic organic chemists have envisioned modifications that could be made to lignin to convert the natural polymer into useful products. Lignin has a plethora of functionalities that invite chemical modification. One huge barrier is that - at atmospheric pressure and temperature, after being extracted from biomass or recovered from pulping liquors - lignin is a solid. Additionally, lignin is insoluble in most organic solvents and is only partially soluble in highly polar solvents such as DMSO and THF. Conducting chemistry to modify solid lignin in commercial processes is challenging. In a Joint Development Agreement with Liquid Lignin Company, researchers at Clemson University are converting solid lignin into a liquid as shown in the pictures below by reacting lignin with fatty acids.
LiquidLignin is not the first technology for reacting lignin with fatty acid. For the past decade, two Swedish companies have been developing technology for reacting fatty acid with lignin. RenFuel AB uses acetic anhydride to convert the fatty acid to anhydrides which are more reactive with lignin. RenFuel has developed a liquid product which can be converted to biofuels by first “popping off” the molecular oxygen and then cracking the polymer to reduce its molecular weight. RenFuel uses a fatty-acid-to-lignin mass ratio (FA:L) as low as 1.5 to generate their liquid product. RenFuel’s technology has been licensed by Bioleum, an American biofuels company. Another Swedish company - Lignin Industries AB - reacts lignin with fatty acid in a vented extruder to remove the water formed during reaction. Lignin Industries’ technology can drive the FA:L ratio to very low levels, approaching 0.1. Lignin Industries’ products are solid pellets which they have named Renol®. Renol can be blended easily with thermoplastics and is being marketed as components in a wide variety of applications including LDPE film for plastic bags; polypropylene containers; consumer products; and ABS auto parts.
LiquidLignin technology follows a different pathway. A Provisional Patent Application has been filed. The technology focuses on the use of traditional reactors and catalysts that can be extracted following the reaction so that low-inorganic-solids content is achieved in the final product. Clemson is pursuing grants to accelerate the development. If a company is interested in partnering, even in a minor role like submitting a support letter for grant applications, they should contact Pat Layton at playton@clemson.edu.
This article is submitted by Michael A. Lake, PhD – Co-Founder of Liquid Lignin Company. Michael has been involved in process and product development of lignin since starting work at Westvaco in 1974. In addition to being a Co-Founder of Liquid Lignin Company which is commercializing its SLRP™ technology for recovering lignin from kraft black liquor, Michael consults in “all things lignin” through his consulting company TechLake & Associates, LLC. Michael can be reached at michael@techlake.net or by cell phone +1 (843) 345-0733.
From Lignin to Low-Carbon Operations: Diverging Approaches in Pulp & Paper
August 25, 2025
Kraftlignin.com
Global pulp and paper producers are taking diverging paths in sustainability. European companies are leading the way, achieving measurable emissions reductions and bringing low-carbon products to market. Their strategies integrate green initiatives into core operations, demonstrating that environmental performance can be a central component of business growth.
North American producers are advancing more gradually, balancing operational priorities with environmental goals. While progress is evident, the pace is incremental compared to Europe, reflecting a measured approach to integrating sustainability across the value chain.
In Asia and Latin America, producers remain critical to global supply chains, but the seriousness of green initiatives can be questioned. Challenges around land use, deforestation, and transparency indicate that environmental commitments are uneven, and sustainability is still being balanced against growth and operational pressures.
Overall, Europe sets the benchmark, while other regions continue to navigate the trade-offs between business priorities and meaningful environmental action.
Dale Mitchell
Lignin in marine coatings: low anti-fouling effect despite promising approaches
Researchers are now exploring whether modifications to the lignin or the coating formulation might improve performance in future tests.
Fire crews gain the upper hand on Domtar paper mill fire in woodyard
Fire contained in woodyard - no interruption in lignin production reported.
Construction commences on Södra’s new facility – will become largest producer of kraft lignin in the world
Sodra has begun construction of the world’s largest lignin plant, utilizing Andritz technology, with completion targeted in 2027.
Companies ink deal to advance crude lignin oil biofuel.
Green Marine Group and Vertoro announce a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating lignin-alcohol blends.
Lignin-Based Resins Market Size Projected to Reach USD 924.78 Million by 2034 | CAGR: 5.3%
The Lignin-Based Resins Market is growing due to rising demand for sustainable materials, with applications in adhesives, coatings, and composites across various industries.
Södra to become the largest producer of kraft lignin in the world
June 25, 2024
As a step in the strategy of getting more out of every tree, Södra is now establishing a new business to become a world leader in the production of kraft lignin. Södra's production facility will be the first commercial facility in Sweden and the largest of its kind in the world. This is an investment of over two billion SEK and expected to be in operation in 2027.
From Waste to Value – Lignin Mailing Bags Revolutionize Packaging
As sustainability takes center stage in global commerce, businesses are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint, particularly in their packaging choices. For many, the challenge is clear: how to maintain product protection, logistical efficiency, and customer satisfaction while minimizing the environmental impact of packaging.
Södra Starts Construction of Its New Kraft Lignin Plant in Sweden
May 28, 2025 - Södra today held a ceremony in Mönsterås, Sweden, to mark the start of construction of the company's new kraft lignin plant. The new plant will cover an area of 1,400 m2 and be built on a prepared site at Södra's existing combined facility in Mönsterås.
Pine Chemical Services LLC Acquires AMS Lignin Business
July 18, 2024
Pine Chemical Services LLC has announced that it has acquired 100 % of Advanced Mill Solutions’ kraft lignin business. Dale Mitchell, the owner of Pine Chemical Services and Kraftlignin.com, expresses optimism that this latest change will allow PCS to focus on improving services for its customers, especially those interested in Kraft lignin processes and associated markets.
For more information contact: dalemitchell@kraftlignin.com
ANDRITZ to supply world’s largest lignin production system to Södra pulp mill in Sweden
Swedish forest industry group Södra has selected international technology group ANDRITZ to supply a complete solution for kraft lignin production to its Mönsterås pulp mill in Sweden.
Stora Enso to Idle Kraft Lignin Production at Sunilla Mill
June 16, 2023
Stora Enso announced plans to close down its Sunila pulp production unit in Finland permanently. This site of Stora Enso’s kraft lignin production facility produces approximately 40,000 tons of kraft lignin per year. Stora Enso’s leadership asserts the company’s strategy for developing biomaterial innovations remains unchanged. A feasibility study for lignin extraction has been initiated at Stora Enso’s Skutskär pulp production site in Sweden. The Group also continues to develop other sourcing alternatives, including partnering, for long-term lignin supply and to investigate competitive locations for commercial scale-up of hard carbon, Lignode production.