The Global Market for Lignin Biomaterials & Biochemicals 2025-2035

cover

Published: September 2024
Pages: 188
Tables: 28
Figures: 53

Lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose, is rapidly gaining importance in the global shift towards sustainable and bio-based materials. As a by-product of the pulp and paper industry and biorefineries, lignin represents a vast, renewable resource that has been historically underutilized. The growing focus on reducing dependence on fossil-based materials and the push for circular economy solutions have spotlighted lignin's potential as a versatile biomaterial and a source of valuable biochemicals. The importance of lignin biomaterials and biochemicals lies in their ability to replace petroleum-based products across multiple industries. Lignin's complex structure, rich in aromatic compounds, makes it an ideal precursor for high-value chemicals and materials. Its potential applications range from biofuels and bioplastics to carbon fibers and energy storage materials, offering sustainable alternatives in sectors such as automotive, construction, packaging, and electronics.

Market prospects for lignin-based products are increasingly promising. The global lignin market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by factors such as increased environmental regulations, growing consumer demand for sustainable products, and technological advancements in lignin extraction and modification processes. High-value applications, such as carbon fibers and aromatic chemicals, are particularly poised for growth, as they offer substantial environmental benefits and performance advantages over traditional materials.

This comprehensive market report provides an in-depth analysis of the global lignin market, covering the period from 2025 to 2035. As industries worldwide seek sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products, lignin has emerged as a promising bio-based material with diverse applications. Report Contents include:

Introduction to Lignin
- Definition and structure of lignin
- Types of lignin (sulfur-containing, sulfur-free)
- Properties and characteristics
- The lignocellulose biorefinery concept
- Current markets and applications
- Market challenges
Lignin Production Processes
- Feedstock preprocessing
- Conversion processes (thermochemical, chemical, biological, electrochemical)
- Detailed analysis of lignin types:
  - Lignosulfonates
  - Kraft lignin
  - Soda lignin
  - Biorefinery lignin (including organosolv, hydrolytic, and steam-exploded lignin)
- Emerging technologies: lignin nanoparticles, lignin-based carbon materials, depolymerized lignin products, and lignin-based bioplastics
Market Analysis
- Market drivers and trends
- Industry developments (2020-2024)
- Production capacities (technical lignin and biorefinery lignin)
- Consumption patterns by lignin type, market, and region
- Pricing trends
Markets and Applications
- Energy (heat and power, bio-oils, syngas)
- Aromatic compounds (BTX, phenol, vanillin)
- Polymers and hydrogels
- Carbon materials (carbon black, activated carbons, carbon fiber)
- Construction materials
- Rubber, bitumen, and asphalt
- Fuels
- Energy storage (supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries)
- Binders, emulsifiers, and dispersants
- Coatings and ceramics
- Automotive applications
- Specialty applications (fire retardants, antioxidants, lubricants, dust control)
Company Profiles: Detailed profiles of key players and emerging companies in the lignin market. Companies profiled include Aemetis, Andritz, Anellotech, Attis Innovations, Avantium, Blue Biofuels, Bloom Biorenewables, Boreal Bioproducts, Borregaard Group, Bright Day Graphene, Burgo Group, Carbon Crusher, Cellicon, CH-Bioforce, Chempolis, CIMV, Clariant, Domsjö Fabriker, Domtar Paper Company, Enerkem, Enviral, Fibenol, FiberX, FP Innovations, Fraunhofer CBP, Fraunhofer LBF, Futurity Bio-Ventures, G+E GETEC Holding, Global Bioenergies, Graanul Invest, Granbio Technologies, Hexion, Ingevity, Iogen, Kanematsu, Kanteleen Voima, Klabin, Koehler Group, Leaf Resources, Ligna Energy, LignEasy, Lignin Industries, Lignoflow Technologies, Lignolix, Lignomateria, LignOrganic, Lignovations, LignoPure, Liquid Lignin Company, Lixea, LXP Group, Mehler Engineered Products, Mercer International, Metgen, Mobius, NewEnergyBlue, Nippon Paper Industries, Novozymes, Obayashi, ORLEN Południe, Praj Industries, Prefere Resins Holding, Prisma Renewable Composites, Proligreen........and more.
Comprehensive Market Data: The report provides detailed market size data, growth projections, and revenue forecasts for various segments of the lignin market from 2025 to 2035.
Regional Analysis: Breakdown of lignin consumption by region, providing a global perspective on market dynamics.
Future Outlook: Analysis of emerging applications and potential future developments in the lignin market.
Detailed SWOT analyses for different types of lignin, helping stakeholders understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in various market segments.
Analysis of biorefinery lignin, including commercial and pre-commercial production facilities and processes, highlighting the shift towards more sustainable and efficient lignin production methods.
Exploration of high-value applications such as carbon fibers, energy storage materials, and aromatic compounds, showcasing lignin's potential to replace petroleum-based products.
Insights into market drivers and challenges, including regulatory factors, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences.
Examination of lignin's role in the circular bioeconomy and its potential to contribute to sustainability goals across industries.

Who Should Read This Report

Executives and strategists in the chemical and materials industries
Researchers and R&D professionals in biomaterials and green chemistry
Investors and financial analysts focusing on sustainable technologies
Policy makers and regulators in the fields of renewable materials and bioeconomy
Sustainability officers in industries such as packaging, construction, and automotive
Procurement specialists looking for bio-based alternatives to traditional materials

1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 12

2 INTRODUCTION 13

2.1 What is lignin? 13
- 2.1.1 Lignin structure 15
2.2 Types of lignin 17
- 2.2.1 Sulfur containing lignin 19
- 2.2.2 Sulfur-free lignin from biorefinery process 20
2.3 Properties 20
2.4 The lignocellulose biorefinery 23
2.5 Markets and applications 24
2.6 Market challenges 27

3 LIGNIN PRODUCTION PROCESSES 29

3.1 Feedstock Preprocessing 30
3.2 Conversion Processes 31
- 3.2.1 Thermochemical Conversion 31
- 3.2.2 Chemical Conversion 31
- 3.2.3 Biological Conversion 31
- 3.2.4 Electrochemical Conversion 32
3.3 Lignosulphonates 32
- 3.3.1 Description 32
- 3.3.2 SWOT analysis 33
3.4 Kraft Lignin 33
- 3.4.1 Description 33
- 3.4.2 LignoBoost process 34
- 3.4.3 LignoForce method 35
- 3.4.4 Sequential Liquid Lignin Recovery and Purification 35
- 3.4.5 A-Recovery+ 36
- 3.4.6 SWOT analysis 37
3.5 Soda lignin 39
- 3.5.1 Description 39
- 3.5.2 SWOT analysis 40
3.6 Biorefinery lignin 41
- 3.6.1 Products Extraction & Purification 43
- 3.6.2 Lignocellulose Biorefinery Economics 44
- 3.6.3 Commercial and pre-commercial biorefinery lignin production facilities and processes 44
- 3.6.4 SWOT analysis 46
- 3.6.5 Organosolv lignin 47
  - 3.6.5.1 Description 47
  - 3.6.5.2 SWOT analysis 48
- 3.6.6 Hydrolytic lignin 49
  - 3.6.6.1 Description 49
  - 3.6.6.2 SWOT analysis 49
- 3.6.7 Steam Exploded Lignin 51
  - 3.6.7.1 Description 51
  - 3.6.7.2 SWOT analysis 52
3.7 Lignin nanoparticles 53
3.8 Lignin-based carbon materials 53
3.9 Depolymerized lignin products 54
3.10 Lignin-based bioplastics 54

4 MARKETS FOR LIGNIN 56

4.1 Market drivers and trends 57
4.2 Lignin industry developments 2020-2024 58
4.3 Production capacities 61
- 4.3.1 Technical lignin availability (dry ton/y) 61
- 4.3.2 Biomass conversion (Biorefinery) 62
4.4 Consumption of lignin 62
- 4.4.1 By type 63
- 4.4.2 By market 65
4.5 By region 67
4.6 Prices 69
4.7 Markets and applications 69
- 4.7.1 Heat and power energy 69
- 4.7.2 Bio-oils 70
- 4.7.3 Syngas 70
- 4.7.4 Aromatic compounds 71
  - 4.7.4.1 Benzene, toluene and xylene 73
  - 4.7.4.2 Phenol and phenolic resins 74
  - 4.7.4.3 Vanillin 74
- 4.7.5 Polymers 75
- 4.7.6 Hydrogels 77
  - 4.7.6.1 Adhesives 77
- 4.7.7 Carbon materials 78
  - 4.7.7.1 Carbon black 78
  - 4.7.7.2 Activated carbons 79
  - 4.7.7.3 Carbon fiber 80
- 4.7.8 Construction materials 81
- 4.7.9 Rubber 82
- 4.7.10 Bitumen and Asphalt 83
- 4.7.11 Fuels 84
- 4.7.12 Energy storage 85
  - 4.7.12.1 Supercapacitors 85
  - 4.7.12.2 Anodes for lithium-ion batteries 87
  - 4.7.12.3 Gel electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries 88
  - 4.7.12.4 Binders for lithium-ion batteries 88
  - 4.7.12.5 Cathodes for lithium-ion batteries 88
  - 4.7.12.6 Sodium-ion batteries 89
- 4.7.13 Binders, emulsifiers and dispersants 89
- 4.7.14 Chelating agents 92
- 4.7.15 Coatings 92
- 4.7.16 Ceramics 94
- 4.7.17 Automotive 94
- 4.7.18 Fire retardants 95
- 4.7.19 Antioxidants 95
- 4.7.20 Lubricants 96
- 4.7.21 Dust control 97

5 COMPANY PROFILES 98 (94 company profiles)

6 REFERENCES 184

List of Tables

Table 1. Properties of lignins and their applications. 15
Table 2. Technical lignin types and applications. 18
Table 3. Classification of technical lignins. 20
Table 4. Properties of lignin, by type. 20
Table 5. Lignin content of selected biomass. 22
Table 6. Markets and applications for lignin. 26
Table 7. Market challenges for lignin. 27
Table 8. Processes for lignin production. 29
Table 9. Biorefinery feedstocks. 41
Table 10. Comparison of pulping and biorefinery lignins. 41
Table 11. Commercial and pre-commercial biorefinery lignin production facilities and processes 44
Table 12. Markets for lignin. 56
Table 13. Market drivers and trends for lignin. 57
Table 14. Lignin industry developments 2020-2024. 58
Table 15. Production capacities of technical lignin producers. 61
Table 16. Production capacities of biorefinery lignin producers. 62
Table 17. Estimated consumption of lignin, by type, 2019-2035 (00,000 Tons). 63
Table 18. Estimated consumption of lignin, by market, 2019-2035 (00,000 Tons). 65
Table 19. Estimated consumption of lignin, by market, 2019-2035 (00,000 Tons). 67
Table 20. Lignin aromatic compound products. 72
Table 21. Prices of benzene, toluene, xylene and their derivatives. 73
Table 22. Lignin products in polymeric materials. 75
Table 23. Application of lignin in plastics and composites. 76
Table 24. Applications of lignin in construction materials. 81
Table 25. Lignin applications in rubber and elastomers. 83
Table 26. Lignin products in fuels. 85
Table 27. Lignin-derived anodes in lithium batteries. 87
Table 28. Application of lignin in binders, emulsifiers and dispersants. 90

List of Figures

Figure 1. Wood processing within the Kraft process. 14
Figure 2. High purity lignin. 15
Figure 3. Lignocellulose architecture. 17
Figure 4. Extraction processes to separate lignin from lignocellulosic biomass and corresponding technical lignins. 18
Figure 5. The lignocellulose biorefinery. 23
Figure 6. Lignocellulosic biomass conversion and products. 24
Figure 7. Lignosulfonates SWOT analysis. 33
Figure 8. LignoBoost process. 34
Figure 9. LignoForce system for lignin recovery from black liquor. 35
Figure 10. Sequential liquid-lignin recovery and purification (SLPR) system. 36
Figure 11. A-Recovery+ chemical recovery concept. 37
Figure 12. Kraft lignin SWOT analysis. 38
Figure 13. Soda lignin SWOT analysis. 40
Figure 14. Schematic of a biorefinery for production of carriers and chemicals. 43
Figure 15. Biorefinery lignin SWOT analysis. 46
Figure 16. Organosolv lignin. 47
Figure 17. Organosolv lignin SWOT analysis. 48
Figure 18. Hydrolytic lignin powder. 49
Figure 19. Hydrolytic lignin SWOT analysis. 50
Figure 20. Steam Exploded Lignin SWOT analysis. 52
Figure 21. Estimated consumption of lignin, by type, 2019-2035 (00,000 Tons). 64
Figure 22. Estimated consumption of lignin, by market, 2019-2035 (00,000 Tons). 66
Figure 23. Estimated consumption of lignin, by market, 2019-2035 (00,000 Tons). 68
Figure 24. Schematic of WISA plywood home. 74
Figure 25. Lignin based activated carbon. 80
Figure 26. Lignin/celluose precursor. 81
Figure 27. Functional rubber filler made from lignin. 83
Figure 28. Road repair utilizing lignin. 84
Figure 29. Prototype of lignin based supercapacitor. 86
Figure 30. Stora Enso lignin battery materials. 89
Figure 31. ANDRITZ Lignin Recovery process. 101
Figure 32. DAWN Technology Process. 104
Figure 33. BALI™ technology. 108
Figure 34. Pressurized Hot Water Extraction. 112
Figure 35. sunliquid® production process. 116
Figure 36. Domsjö process. 117
Figure 37. TMP-Bio Process. 121
Figure 38. Flow chart of the lignocellulose biorefinery pilot plant in Leuna. 122
Figure 39. AVAPTM process. 127
Figure 40. GreenPower+™ process. 128
Figure 41. Renol in packaging. 136
Figure 42. Lignin gel. 137
Figure 43. BioFlex process. 142
Figure 44. LX Process. 144
Figure 45. METNIN™ Lignin refining technology. 147
Figure 46. Enfinity cellulosic ethanol technology process. 154
Figure 47: Plantrose process. 160
Figure 48. Hansa lignin. 164
Figure 49. Stora Enso lignin battery materials. 170
Figure 50. Solid Novolac Type lignin modified phenolic resins. 171
Figure 51. UPM biorefinery process. 177
Figure 52. The Proesa® Process. 179
Figure 53. Goldilocks process and applications. 180

The Global Market for Lignin Biomaterials & Biochemicals 2025-2035

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The Global Market for Lignin Biomaterials & Biochemicals 2025-2035

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1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 12

2 INTRODUCTION 13

3 LIGNIN PRODUCTION PROCESSES 29

4 MARKETS FOR LIGNIN 56

5 COMPANY PROFILES 98 (94 company profiles)

6 REFERENCES 184

List of Tables

List of Figures

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