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.

Contact: Katrien Bernaerts
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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.