The ambition of the Bioboost project is to revolutionize the use of kraft lignin, a by-product of the wood pulping process, by developing innovative and sustainable applications for polymers and energy storage.
The Bioboost project is a collaborative effort led by VTT, with contributions from nine companies, including Stora Enso, Valmet, Teknikum, Nokian Tyres, Koskisen, BASF, Grafintec, Premix, and Carbofex.
“Our primary goal is to develop a technically feasible and economically viable kraft lignin refining concept that enhances the valorization potential of kraft lignins and enables new business opportunities,” says Miika Nikinmaa, Lead Biomaterial Solutions at VTT.
The project brings together the whole value chain from lignin technology providers to current and future application owners.
“Bioboost is one of our lignin-related initiatives within Valmet’s Beyond Circularity program and its ecosystem. This co-innovation project has been made possible through co-funding from Business Finland and we hope it will enable new possibilities for using lignin in various products. Valmet has over a decade of experience in delivering LignoBoost kraft lignin production technology and collaborating with stakeholders across the lignin value chain is important for us to better understand how lignin needs to be tailored to suit downstream processes,“ says Hanna Karlsson, Business Development Manager, Lignin Technology at Valmet.
The project focuses on two main research axes:
- Development of High-Performance Materials: The project aims to create high-performance materials from refined kraft lignin fractions, targeting applications in polymers and energy storage. This includes developing materials for tires, resins for wood products, conductive plastics, and battery and supercapacitor electrode materials.
- Understanding Process-Structure-Performance Relationships: By deepening the understanding of the relationships governing solvent fractionation process conditions, lignin structure, and application performance, the project aims to optimize the refining process and improve the end-use performance of lignin-based materials.
Market drivers and potential
The global transition towards a sustainable biobased economy presents numerous opportunities for Finnish industries. The Bioboost project aims to capitalize on these opportunities by developing innovative lignin-based materials that can replace fossil-based alternatives.
“Lignin valorization holds immense future potential, enabling us to support the bioeconomy and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources,” says Stina Grönqvist, Leader of the lignin and sidestream valorization team at VTT
The global lignin market is expected to grow significantly, reaching USD 2.88 billion by 2029 . The project also aims to positively contribute towards European targets related to carbon neutrality and the circular economy.
“As the Bioboost project progresses, we are excited to see the innovative solutions and sustainable materials that will emerge from this collaborative effort. Together, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future,” Nikinmaa concludes.
