Lignin Based Eco-Friendly Adhesives

Date:21 November 2019

Country: Finland

Application

• Plywood production: Lignin replaces phenol in adhesives, improving sustainability in plywood manufacturing.
• Resins and adhesives: Lignin is used in various industrial applications, including bioplastics, polyurethanes, and building materials.

Description

UPM has pioneered the use of lignin as a sustainable alternative to phenol in adhesives, particularly for plywood production. Since 2017, their WISA BioBond technology has replaced up to two-thirds of the phenol in adhesives with lignin, reducing environmental impacts. UPM collaborates with global resin producers to enhance lignin's role in various industries, including construction. The company aims to make lignin-based resins a global standard within the next decade.

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves extracting lignin as a byproduct from the pulp production process. This lignin is then incorporated into phenolic resins, replacing up to two-thirds of the phenol typically used in adhesive production. The lignin is processed and modified to meet the specific requirements of different applications. UPM collaborates with resin manufacturers to optimize the use of lignin in various industrial applications.