Swedish lignin plant now accessible from all over the world
Thanks to a digitization of LignoCity, the test and development facility for the forest raw material lignin, geographical boundaries are a thing of the past. It is now possible to tour the plant from all over the world and at the same time get an insight into the fantastic world of lignin.
LignoCity is an open test and development facility in Sweden, supported by actors such as RISE and Paper Province
The testbed showcases lignin as a sustainable material and promotes the region of Värmland as the place to be when developing innovative products based on renewable resources.
Lignin can be described as nature’s own adhesive; it binds fibers and gives strength. It is thanks to lignin that trees can grow over a hundred meters high. Lignin is also an underutilized material with grand potential as a renewable resource, emerging on the market.
"It is a possible replacement for current fossil-based materials. We can see it being developed in several applications. For example, it can be used to replace plastic and as a binder in asphalt. Its properties make it possible to use in flame retardants, barriers and spun carbon fiber," says Maria Ölmhult, Project Manager at RISE and LignoCity.
Supports product development
LignoCity welcomes anyone who wants to develop ideas and products related to lignin. Anyone, from researchers, product and business developers to students can utilize LignoCity.
"Above all, we want to attract ideas that we can support in developing," says Maria Ölmhult.
LignoCity is located next to the paper and pulp mill Nordic Paper, Kristinehamn, Sweden, right in the heart of the forest industry where expertise, raw materials and contact networks are available.
"Paper Province is one of several actors that actively work to support the test facility and the use of lignin. We are happy to be a part of developing LignoCity", says Sandra Sundbäck, CEO of Paper Province.
International reach
To make the offer available for as many as possible, LignoCity has developed a digital tour. That means that it no longer matters where in the world you are, everyone can visit the pilot plant.
"Being able to offer this feels very good, not least in the situation everyone is in now, where digital tools of communication are used to the maximum. We can meet in digital meetings and now also show our facility without anyone having to travel here. This way, we will hopefully attract more people. Although everyone can meet and visit us digitally, our hope is still that overseas innovators will see the benefits of physically relocating to Sweden," says Maria Ölmhult.
LignoCity is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund with support from several actors. LignoCity is owned by RISE and is managed and supported in collaboration with local partners such as Paper Province, Närsam, Karlstad University, Sting Bioeconomy and Nordic Paper.