A research project at the University of Borås in Sweden has investigated how lignin can be chemically modified and used in fibre-reinforced sustainable materials.
Lignin, a by-product of the forest industry, can be used to produce sustainable materials that can not only replace oil-based products but also reduce the weight of structures without compromising mechanical properties.
The project revolves around four key questions:
- How can the compatibility of lignin with other substances be improved?
- How can the modification process be made more efficient and environmentally friendly?
- How can the mechanical and thermal properties of the material be improved?
- How can fibre be incorporated to strengthen the material further?
“There are many unexplored possibilities for lignin. By chemically modifying lignin, it is possible to create a material that has great potential to replace oil-based materials,” explained Matilda Johansson, who led the research.
Materials industry faces a lack of efficient recycling techniques
The materials industry faces significant challenges due to a persistent lack of effective recycling practices. Despite growing awareness of environmental issues, many materials — especially plastics, composites, and certain metals — are still not recycled efficiently or at all.
This is often due to complex supply chains, limited infrastructure, and the difficulty of separating and processing mixed materials.
As a result, vast amounts of potentially reusable resources end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing to pollution and resource depletion. The industry’s reliance on virgin materials accelerates environmental degradation and increases production costs and energy consumption.
A simple and effective method to produce lignin-based products
The method involves extracting lignin from forest and agricultural waste and chemically modifying it using acetic anhydride and microwaves. This allows the lignin to bind with other polymers, such as PLA (polylactic acid).
Then, methods such as extrusion, 3D printing and compression moulding are used to create a bio-based composite reinforced with regenerated cellulose fibres.
Environmental benefits and resource efficiency of sustainable materials
Johansson explained: “The project contributes to minimising the use of traditional plastics, i.e. oil-based materials. The lignin-based material consists of natural components, and no harmful chemicals are used during production.
“More and more industries are switching to bio-based alternatives, and this sustainable material could be an option to reduce climate impact.
“The fact that it also consists of a material that is considered to be a byproduct from another industry makes the whole process more resource efficient.”
The project is an important contribution to research on sustainable materials as it demonstrates the importance of developing environmentally friendly alternatives to today’s materials.
A focus on sustainability
Sustainable materials offer numerous benefits for both the environment and society. By using resources that are renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable, these materials help reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to ecological advantages, sustainable materials can also support healthier indoor environments and improve the well-being of communities by promoting ethical sourcing and fair labour practices.
As demand for eco-friendly products grows, adopting sustainable materials also fosters innovation and long-term economic resilience.
Johansson concluded: “Today’s high consumption means that there is an incredible amount of material, yet a very small proportion is recycled, resulting in accumulations of material that contribute to a lot of natural destruction.
“If it is possible to choose a material that has had less impact on nature when it is produced as well as less impact on nature when it is used, that’s a win-win.”
The project supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, primarily Goal 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production.
