ST2-04: Performance aromatics derived from lignin as a necessary value add product for the development of financially viable biorefining applications

Lignol uses an extraction process to derive Performance Aromatics which maintains much of the native structure of the lignin and produces a range of valuable functional chemicals. The Lignol biorefinery produces three main streams: Performance Aromatics derived from lignin, a xylose rich residue and a highly reactive cellulosic feedstock. 

This fractionation allows for the cost effective conversion of cellulosic biomass to sugars remains the major barrier to production of biofuels and chemicals from cellulosic feedstocks. This highly reactive cellulose is essentially lignin free cellulose and is an ideal feedstock for the production for the production of biofuels and biochemicals. The low lignin content of the cellulose generated minimizes the competitive binding of cellulases, which coupled with the high reactivity of the feedstock allows the rapid generation of a high concentration sugar solution that has low inhibitor content for use in a range of fermentations.

This is a “next generation” pre-treatment technology, capable of high conversion efficiencies across a wide range of feedstocks.  Biorefining platforms that can facilitate cost effective conversions together with the flexibility of inputs and outputs will have a competitive advantage as the industry migrates across a range of fuels and high value chemicals.