
Researchers from Washington State University (WSU) and the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed an artificial peptoid-based enzyme that can digest lignin. Chemists have tried and failed to make valuable products from lignin for over a century. But the newly reported development could help change that track record of frustration.

Monolignol acyltransferase identified as the key enzyme for producing the industrial chemical p-hydroxybenzoic acid in plants [Full subscriber]
Researchers from the US Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified an enzyme that could turn poplar trees into a source for industrial chemical building block p-hydroxybenzoic acid which is currently derived from fossil fuels, in plant biomass.

Stora Enso embarks on the production of biobased carbon for batteries [Full subscriber]
Pulp and paper producer Stora Enso announced on July 21 that its pilot facility for producing lignin-based carbon materials Lignode® has started operations and is ramping up production.

Quality coating for wood made from colloidal lignin particles [Full subscriber]
Researchers at Aalto University have used lignin, a natural polymer, to create a safe, low-cost and high-performing coating for use in construction.

Stora Enso launches lignin-based binder that is safer than fossil-based ones [Full subscriber]
Stora Enso launched on 5th May its latest lignin-based innovation, NeoLigno® by Stora Enso. NeoLigno – a fully biobased binder that does not contain formaldehyde and isocyanates, which are typically used in adhesive resins and industrial products, thereby supporting healthier indoor and working environments.

Ionic liquid intermediate produced from lignin [Full subscriber]
Researchers at US Department of Energy’s Berkeley Lab have transformed lignin into a precursor for a useful chemical with a wide range of potential applications.

Germany – Construction of the new €550 million UPM’s biorefinery has commenced [Full subscriber]
The Finnish pulp and paper producer UPM commenced the construction of the state-of-the-art biochemicals facility in Leuna, Germany on 7th October.

New process upgrades low-quality lignin pyrolysis bio-oil to hydrocarbons [Full subscriber]
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a process to upgrade low-quality bio-oil produced from lignin via pyrolysis to make high-quality biofuel and biochemicals.

Lignin partially replaces fossil phenol in the production of resins for foams and moulding applications [Full subscriber]
Researchers at Hexion, a global leader for phenolic speciality resins, have succeeded in partially replacing fossil phenol with biobased lignin in resins in the EU-funded Bio4Products initiative. Two promising applications have been identified – insulating foams and moulding compounds.

Stora Enso and Cordenka partner to advance the production of biobased carbon fibre [Registered]
Stora Enso and Cordenka are partnering to develop precursors for biobased carbon fibre that could be used in transportation, construction and power generation.