Sustainable Production of Lignin End-Products by Depolymerisation

Until now, the production of valuable chemicals from black liquor has relied on complex and costly processes. The EU-funded SPLENDOR project is changing this by developing a groundbreaking, catalyst-free technology that converts in one step black liquor directly into high-value bioaromatic substances such as vanillin and syringol, while recycling inorganic chemicals for reuse in the factory.

A six-month trial period with a 250-litre/hour prototype in a pulp mill will lay the foundation for a full-scale 5,000-litre/hour system. By integrating production on site and creating new industrial applications, SPLENDOR aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 800,000 tonnes per year – a major step towards the EU's sustainability goals.

The team optimises and performs long-term testing of the process at RISE's pilot plant LignoCity, while conducting extensive chemical analyses to evaluate the polymers produced.

Technical objectives

• Demonstrate depolymerisation in one step without pre-treatment, catalysts or additional chemicals.
• Integrate the technology with existing infrastructure in the pulp mill
• Achieve 99% product recovery through advanced separation and purification
• Operate a prototype at 250 litres/hour in an operational mill environment

We target several industrial applications derived from monomers, dimers and oligomers, including:

• Fine chemicals
• Waterproof coatings
• Plasticisers for tires
• Fuel components

SPLENDOR works towards the goals of the circular economy by converting residual streams into valuable chemicals, reducing European industry's dependence on fossil-based chemicals.

The project is supported by €7.3 million in funding from the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) and is coordinated by Ghent University together with 11 partners across Europe to redefine black liquor as a valuable resource for Europe's circular bioeconomy.