UPM Biofore Magazine 1-2019

TEXT Saara Töyssy   PHOTOGRAPHY Janne Lehtinen; UPM, Courtesy of the interviewee

COMPLETELY BIO-BASED LIGNIN is a textbook example of the work being carried out to find functional alternatives to fossil-based materials.

Breakthroughs in LIGNIN value chain

A lmost a quarter of the dry mass of each tree is lignin, which is separated in the pulp production process and traditionally used as bioenergy through incineration. New, innovative uses of lignin, however, offer an effective way of reducing environmental impacts of different industries and dependency on fossil materials. And at the same time, it opens up an additional profit stream for UPM. UPM is a pioneer in decades-long research on the utilisation of lignin in resins, adhesives, bioplastics and polyurethanes, for example. Further exciting applications can be awaited in the near future. Since autumn 2017, lignin has been used as part of the WISA BioBond gluing technology in UPMPlywood’s production. As of today, lignin can replace approximately two thirds of the phenol typically used in the adhesive – and the target is to further increase this proportion. The use of WISA BioBond is possible thanks to the UPMBioPiva lignin activation technology and the corresponding resin technology developed and patented by UPMBiochemicals.

UPM’s BioPiva™ lignin is a 100% bio-based, renewable substitute for fossil-based materials. This wood-derived wonder is about to find its way into many industries and products over the next few years.

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