Metsä Group – Demo Plant for a New Lignin Product

Metsä Group is developing a new type of lignin product at its Äänekoski test plant, opening up new applications for this wood‑based ingredient. Lignin is separated during the bioproduct mill’s production process and refined into the Metsä LigO™ lignin product.

Lignin is a natural component of wood that binds fibres together and accounts for 20–30% of wood’s composition. In pulp production, lignin is removed from the fibres and has traditionally been used as a source of bioenergy. Lignin also has significant potential in higher‑value applications, where it can replace fossil‑based raw materials. Such uses include concrete plasticisers, other dispersants, and bio‑based polymers.

Potential future developments

The construction industry, for example, generates high carbon dioxide emissions. If lignin products replace fossil‑based chemicals, these emissions can be reduced. Potential applications for lignin products are also being explored in other industries. The core idea is that Metsä LigO™ enables customers to benefit from strong technical performance while achieving a smaller carbon footprint.

Lignin‑based solutions are evolving from sustainable alternatives into fully competitive, performance‑driven products as scale, standardisation, and functionality improve. By upgrading an abundant, renewable side stream into high‑value applications, these solutions enhance industrial competitiveness while reducing dependence on fossil resources. At the same time, they support society’s transition to a circular, low‑carbon economy by delivering climate benefits, improving resource efficiency, and strengthening long‑term resilience.

Current contribution

Metsä Group aims to use wood raw materials and the side streams of pulp production as efficiently as possible, maximising their added value. If lignin can be used not only for bioenergy but also in material and chemical applications, the value of wood can be significantly increased. At the same time, the use of fossil raw materials can be reduced.

The lignin product developed by Metsä Group could be used, for example, as a bio‑based strengthening agent in concrete and plaster applications. These additives improve the technical properties of concrete and plaster. Current additives are mainly synthetic. Although such modifiers account for less than 1% of the total concrete mass, their global market already amounts to several million tonnes per year. Replacing fossil‑based strengthening agents with lignin‑based alternatives would reduce the future use of harmful fossil raw materials.

Metsä Group uses wood sourced from sustainably managed northern forests as its raw material. The company plays an important role in supporting local livelihoods and employment, and increasing the added value of lignin further strengthens this contribution.