World's only open test bed for odorless lignin inaugurated in Sweden

The new plant makes it possible to produce odorless lignin – a groundbreaking innovation that eliminates the characteristic odor that previously limited the use of lignin in several product areas. The technology opens the door to new climate-smart solutions in, for example, bioplastics, glues, paints and cosmetics.

"This is a game changer for the development of the lignin-based materials of the future," says Johanna Mossberg, Head of Bioeconomy Arena at RISE. With the investment in odorless, we are taking a big step towards increasing the value of lignin as a raw material and creating opportunities for new, circular innovations and business for increased competitiveness and reduced climate impact in the growing bioeconomy.

RISE test infrastructure LignoCity offers industrial capacity of 6–8 kilotonnes of lignin per year, with advanced equipment for separation, dewatering, washing and further processing. Here, companies get access to the infrastructure required to develop, test and scale up new bio-based products, from idea to market. The process for odorless lignin has been developed in cooperation with Valmet, which also holds the patent for it.

"Valmet has been working for a long time to develop different lignin grades to meet the needs of the market. One of these qualities is LignoBoost OdorFree™, which we have developed in collaboration with RISE. Odor has long been considered an obstacle, and we hope that this demonstration plant can open up for lignin use in several different applications," says Hanna Karlsson, Business Development Manager for Lignin Technology, Valmet

"It is important that test environments such as LignoCity exist, it increases the opportunities to develop new technology and reduces risks. I am convinced that this new facility will contribute valuable knowledge and development," Hanna Karlsson continues.

Hanna Karlsson, Henrik Wallmo and Anders Littorin representing Valmet at the inauguration event

The research and innovation environment for lignin in Bäckhammar has developed through close regional collaboration.

"At Region Värmland, we see that the new facility will contribute in a very positive way to development and growth in Värmland. It will strengthen small and medium-sized companies and in the long run drive economic resilience," says Erik Evestam, Regional Councillor and Chairman of the Regional Development Committee Region Värmland.