Metsä Fibre wants to develop new applications for lignin derived from pulp production. To this end, the Finnish forestry group Metsä's producer of pulp, sawn timber and other cellulose-based products plans to build a pilot production line for modified lignin, in cooperation with Austrian paper equipment manufacturer Andritz.
The aim is to test the LigniOx technology, a process for separating lignin from black liquor during pulp production, which enables lignin to be used for new end-uses.
The potential of lignin in various applications has long been studied. Traditionally used for bioenergy production, this substance, which acts as a binder for wood fibers and is removed from the fibers during pulp production, could in particular replace fossil-based chemicals.
In particular, this demonstration plant would test lignin as a water reducer for biosourced concrete and gypsum used in construction markets.
This demonstration site, which would enable the technical and financial viability of this technology to be assessed, would have a capacity of around two tonnes per day. It would be installed at Metsä Group's Äänekoski bioproducts plant in Finland.
The final investment decision is expected later this year.
"It's important that we actively develop alternatives made from renewable raw materials to replace fossil raw materials and feedstocks. This will further strengthen our bioproduct mill concept, which aims to utilize all secondary pulp production streams in products with the highest possible added value," says Metsä Fibre CEO Ismo Nousiainen.
