News

09-04-2019

LignoCOST: Pan-European Network on the Sustainable Valorisation of Lignin

Biorizon co-initiator VITO participates in LignoCOST. This network, that is coordinated by Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, aims for a pan-European network covering the entire lignin value chain. More than 200 participants from 38 countries are connected. The focus lies on sharing and creating knowledge that stimulates lignin valorisation towards industrial applications.

Profitable & sustainable prospects

Lignin is a large underexploited side stream of the pulp & paper and lignocellulosic biorefinery industry. It is a very valuable raw material for industrial applications as it contains for example aromatic molecules, polymer properties, UV stabilisation and antimicrobial activities. Creation of added value applications for lignin will lead to extra revenues for the industries to make them more economical viable and sustainable.

Networking events, workshops & training schools

Up until October 2022 the LignoCOST network will be organising networking events, workshops and training schools. Young scientists have the opportunity to hold short term scientific missions between the network partners and they can apply for conference grants.

The next working group meeting will be organised in November 2019 in Portugal.

Establishment of a Pan-European Network on the Sustainable Valorisation of Lignin

LignoCOST, which is an acronym for ‘Establishment of a Pan-European Network on the Sustainable Valorisation of Lignin’, is organised in 5 different working groups that have their own milestones and deliverables. Working group 3 is led by Dr. Karolien Vanbroekhoven (VITO/Biorizon). The working groups:

1. Creation of lignin data factsheets, state-of-the-art lignin analytical techniques, overview of existing lignin research infrastructure and establishment of an open source information portal called Wiki lignin.
2. Assessment of state-of-the-art lignin conversion technologies including the technology readiness level (TRL)
3. Identification of most promising lignin value chains with the focus on sustainable industrial applications.
4. Identification of knowledge gaps on technical issues but also on non-technical aspects.
5. Selected value chains will be supported by techno-economic evaluation and LCA.

LignoCOST is supported by the EU Framework Programme Horizon 2020:

    

 

 

 

 

 

Participation & information

If you would like to participate, please visit the website of LignoCOST: www.lignocost.eu for more information or contact the coordinators of this network: Dr. Richard Gosselink (chair) or Dr. Ted Slaghek (Grant holder manager) from Wageningen Food & Biobased Research.