- The LignoValue Pilot was built by Zeton and installed at the VITO site in early 2022.
- The pilot plant can produce over 100 kg of bio-aromatics daily through continuous processing.
- Lignin will be depolymerized in a solvent with a catalyst and hydrogen.
- The project aims to build a demo plant in Flanders for lignin conversion to bio-aromatics.
Introduction
The LignoValue Pilot, Europe's first pilot line for producing bio-aromatics from lignin, was inaugurated in Mol, Belgium. This initiative aims to replace fossil-based products with bio-based alternatives, addressing a significant economic challenge for the European chemical industry.
Project Development
Supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the project was realized by VITO, Worley Belgium, and PMV. The pilot plant demonstrates continuous lignin depolymerization technologies, providing proof-of-concepts for various process steps. The plant is strategically located to ensure safety, material supply, and product flow, with VITO's proximity being a significant advantage.
Lignin's Potential
Lignin, a natural molecule found in plant cell walls, can replace many fossil-based aromatic compounds in the chemical industry. Currently, most lignin is incinerated as a by-product of the pulp and paper industry. However, lignin-derived bio-aromatics offer innovative development paths due to their reduced toxicity and unique properties, such as stability, stiffness, and improved resistance to various factors.
Research and Collaboration
VITO, along with TNO from the Netherlands, founded the Shared Research Center Biorizon to develop bio-aromatics from lignin. Biorizon aims to enable the commercial production of bio-aromatics from both sugars and lignin, contributing to a sustainable and profitable green chemical industry.
Future Goals
Since 2018, VITO has been committed to designing and building the LignoValue Pilot, which can produce over 100 kg of bio-aromatics daily. The pilot plant's flexible design allows for testing different process conditions to produce market-oriented bio-aromatic fractions. The ultimate goal is to build and operate a demo plant in Flanders for converting lignin to bio-based functionalized aromatics, establishing a new value chain of chemicals.
