Accelerated development of lignin-based elastomers

Can lignin-based elastomers catch up with petroleum-based materials?

Elastomers - or ‘rubbers’ - are used in countless applications, from tyres to medical devices. By 2032, the global elastomer market is expected to reach around USD 187 billion, while bio-based elastomers are expected to account for less than USD 2 billion. Competing with highly optimised, well-established petrochemical materials remains a major challenge.

This project aims to accelerate the industrial uptake of lignin-based elastomers by developing a platform for automated material optimisation using AI. Advanced machine learning and a robotic system will be used to systematically explore and optimise formulations for lignin processing and elastomer production.

The robotic platform will enable the screening, synthesis and evaluation of a wide range of lignin and other high-throughput bio-based materials. This approach is expected to significantly accelerate the development of sustainable, high-performance elastomers and allow for a more efficient use of research resources.

The knowledge will also pave the way for similar AI and automation-based approaches in other areas of materials science. The project involves collaboration with industrial partners across the value chain, including expertise in lignin, elastomers, AI, robotics and innovation infrastructure.