One of our goals is to transform renewable resources into new, eco-friendly materials that can replace fossil-based plastics. To make this happen, we bring together partners from across the value chain — including technology centers, industrial companies, and innovation specialists — who collaborate to speed up this transition.
Among these partners, Fibenol stands out for its pioneering work in unlocking the potential of wood residues to create high-performance, compostable bioplastics.
Its role within the consortium is key to showing how biomass by-products can become strategic raw materials just like others that we use everyday.
FROM SECOND-GENERATION SUGARS TO NATURAL LIGNIN ADDITIVES
Fibenol’s research focuses on turning biomass leftovers into second-generation sugars and natural lignin additives, which act as building blocks for developing sustainable plastics with real market uses.
What’s the big deal? These bio-based compounds not only help reduce our dependence on fossil resources, they also open up brand-new possibilities for materials with awesome properties!
A great example is LIGNOVA, Fibenol’s patented lignin. Right now, it’s being validated in PLA-based compostable plastics. This fresh approach makes it possible to produce bags and packaging that meet tough standards of durability and resistance while being much kinder to the planet.
Turning hardwood residues into final products is a complex process that requires research, technical validation, and several trials. In this sense, injection molding tests are a decisive step.
This process works by melting the bioplastic, injecting it under pressure into a mold with the desired shape, and (once it cools) voilà, the finished piece pops out. It’s basically like filling a cookie mold, but with our special formula!
As Kait Kaarel Puss, Application Development Manager at Fibenol, explains:
“As we enter injection molding trials, we’ll see how far lignin can go in replacing fossil plastics.”
THE VOICE OF SCIENCE
Fibenol also plays a key role in sharing the project’s results. In its recent interview, “Bioplastics with Fibenol: Wood4Plastic project”, the company highlights the science behind its breakthroughs, the technological challenges it faces, and the next steps in developing bioplastics that can compete with conventional plastics.
Stay tuned with the latest news on our blog!