Lignin: redefining industrial formulations with sustainable innovation

A SCALABLE, FULLY TRACEABLE, 100% BIO-BASED SOLUTION DELIVERING PERFORMANCE, COST-EFFICIENCY, AND SUSTAINABILITY FOR CHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS.

WHAT IS LIGNIN?

Lignin, the second most abundant organic material on Earth, makes up 24–35% of the dry weight of softwoods and 17–25% of hardwoods. Derived as a side stream from wood processing in certified forests, lignin is a plant-based, renewable material with untapped potential.

HISTORICALLY USED AS FUEL FOR ENERGY, LIGNIN IS NOW BEING TRANSFORMED INTO A HIGH-VALUE MATERIAL, OFFERING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS. THIS TRANSFORMATION ENABLES LIGNIN TO CONTRIBUTE TO DURABLE PRODUCTS, EXTENDING ITS LIFECYCLE IN HIGH-VALUE APPLICATIONS AND REDUCING PREMATURE CARBON EMISSIONS. ITS UNIQUE PROPERTIES MAKE IT A VERSATILE ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL MATERIALS BY:

A

Enabling simpler, safer formulations that meet a growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions.

B

Combining multiple benefits such as UV absorbance, antioxidant properties, and polymer strength into one cost-efficient alternative to multiple fossil-based inputs.

C

Reducing reliance on fossil-based materials, lowering emissions and supporting renewable, sustainable solutions.

Ideal for coatings, adhesives, and more, lignin’s functionality profile, scalability, and cost-competitiveness provide industries with an innovative, sustainable alternative without compromising profitability.

LigNoFog®: anti-fogging coating from lignin

LIGNOFOG® IS A TANGIBLE EXAMPLE OF LIGNIN’S POTENTIAL, AVAILABLE IN SELECT STORES WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. AS THE WORLD’S FIRST ANTI-FOG SPRAY POWERED BY LIGNIN, LIGNOFOG® DEMONSTRATES HOW BIO-BASED MATERIALS CAN DELIVER BOTH EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSUMER AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS.

  • Anti-Fog Performance

    Delivers natural anti-fog protection for swimming and diving goggles.

  • Resource efficiency

    Requires only minimal lignin to achieve maximum functionality, reflecting its eco-friendly and cost-effective nature.

  • Free from harsh chemicals

    Offers a safe, natural and sustainable way to enjoy fog-free vision during every dive and swim.

  • Made in Finland

    Crafted using certified Norway spruce sawdust, sustainably sourced as a by-product of wood processing.

  • Market readiness

    Proves lignin’s viability in consumer-facing products, validating its potential across a range of applications, from anti-fog coatings to adhesives and beyond.

LigNoFog® highlights the possibilities for manufacturers to innovate with bio-based materials that deliver on performance, sustainability, and market appeal.

Why choose lignin for industrial innovation?

Lignin is transforming industrial formulations by offering a sustainable and cost-competitive alternative to other bio-based solutions. Its unique benefits make it the ideal choice for manufacturers aiming to innovate while meeting sustainability and ESG goals.

Sustainable and renewable

Derived from the by-products of certified wood processing, ensuring an eco-friendly and circular approach.

Resource-efficient

Requires minimal amounts to achieve desired results, optimising material usage.

Cost-effective

 Offers competitive pricing compared to other bio-based solutions.

Versatile applications

A flexible solution for coatings, adhesives, bio-fillers, and beyond, supporting diverse industrial needs.

Scalable supply

Extracted from underutilised forestry side streams, avoiding competition with food sources.

Reduces fossil dependency

By offering an abundant alternative to fossil-based inputs, lignin helps manufacturers reduce their reliance on non-renewable resources.

Versatile Opportunities for Lignin Industrial Formulations

Lignin’s unique properties make it a highly promising ingredient for a wide range of industrial applications. As a bio-based material, it offers manufacturers a potential alternative to traditional fossil-based inputs, with exciting possibilities for future innovation. 
Ongoing research and innovation are opening up new ways to use lignin in a variety of industries:

Coatings & Surface Treatments

Successful trials have demonstrated lignin’s potential in anti-fog solutions and protective coatings.

Adhesives & Binders

Lignin-based adhesives have proven effective in specialised applications, such as plywood and particleboard manufacturing, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals.

Bio-Fillers

Application testing suggests lignin could serve as a filler in plastics and rubber, reducing reliance on fossil-based materials.

Packaging Solutions

Initial applications indicate lignin’s promise as an additive in bio-based packaging materials, contributing to enhanced sustainability and circularity.

FROM IMPROVING SUSTAINABILITY PROFILES TO REDUCING RELIANCE ON FOSSIL-BASED INPUTS, LIGNIN AND OUR TEAM AT BOREAL ARE PAVING THE WAY FOR INNOVATIVE RAW MATERIAL SOLUTIONS. WITH CONTINUED RESEARCH AND COLLABORATION, THE POSSIBILITIES FOR LIGNIN IN INDUSTRIAL FORMULATIONS ARE EXPANDING.

Partner with us to unlock lignin’s potential

Discover how lignin’s versatile applications can drive product innovation, enhance the sustainability of your formulations and increase consumer appeal. 

Let’s work together to replace problematic materials with bio-based solutions, one circular step at a time.