LignoCOST
The main objective of LignoCOST is to establish a sound network covering the entire value chain in which relevant information can be produced with a focus on lignin valorisation towards sustainable industrial applications. Only when working together this information can be gathered to cover the technical, non-technical, environmental and socio-economic implications of the most promising lignin value chains.
- This COST action is chaired by Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (the Netherlands).
- COST is supported by the EU Framework Programme Horizon 2020
Lignin has the potential to become the future aromatic raw material for the industry. However, due to a lack of (information on) industrial availability, sustainable applications, and environmental footprint it is largely underexploited.
Economic considerations nonetheless make its valorization mandatory for the viability of future bio refinery operations. To facilitate the transition of a complex, highly underexploited side stream to a major bio refinery product and industrial commodity raw material, a European network is established to join and coordinate the many efforts underway in academia and provide industrial stakeholders including SMEs relevant and up-to-date information on lignin covering topics such as:
- WikiLignin: Database comprising lignin sources, availability, properties and repository of state-of-the-art analytical methodologies and turnkey methods for industry
- Bio- and chemo-catalytic conversion technologies including technology readiness level (TRL) assessment
- Industrial application requirements (market demand) versus lignin properties (supply)
- Development of value chains for lignin valorization
- Technical and full sustainability aspects, LCA, market potential and implementation
From different disciplines, this LignoCOST Action brings together industrial stakeholders, SMEs, academia and institutes from pan-European regions active in the Pulp and Paper, Agri and Food, bio-refinery, chemicals and plastics, infra and building, fuels and energy, and consumer products industries.