Competitive Edge: MetGen Oy

April 28, 2022 |

Imagine a technology that is agnostic to lignin source and provides the missing link link in the value-chain between crude lignin and high value lignin fractions for specific end user products. Well, MetGen’s got it covered with their proven tech in multiple pre-commercial installations and enables cost-efficient conversion of lignin into biobased products.

In today’s Digest, all about their bioprocessing solutions for a new wave of biobased products, commercialization stage, their plans for lignin processing facilities and carbon capture, and more. 

Q: Tell us about your organization. What do you do?

MetGen is a biotechnology company providing complete bioprocessing solutions enabling a new wave of biobased products. With the mission of maximizing the value of renewable feedstock, MetGen has developed and commercially launched a novel lignin valorization technology, METNIN. The technology produces three main products such as SHIELD for additives in packaging applications, lignopolyols in polyurethane application, resins for plywood adhesives.

Q: What stage of development are you?

Commercial stage – have mature products or services on the market.

Q: What do your technologies, products or services do and accomplish – how does it (they) work, who is it (they) aimed for?

METNIN technology is a zero waste process and a potential solution to use the underutilized lignin waste streams to convert to high value products. METNIN technology is agnostic to lignin source and provides the missing link in the value-chain between crude lignin and high value lignin fractions for specific end user products. MetGen’s technology has been proven in multiple pre-commercial installations and enables cost-efficient conversion of lignin into biobased products.

Q: Competitively, what gives your technology, product or service set an edge in cost or performance, sustainability, or any other aspect, that makes it stand out from the crowd, In short, what makes it transformative?

Approximately 50 million tons of lignin from pulp & paper industry is burnt for energy purposes today. Through METNIN technology and its products, new market opportunities for lignin are created. The products are more affordable and sustainable and do not directly utilize forest or agriculture resources. LCA studies for the METNIN technology demo plant and its 3 products shows an emission reduction potential of >80% greenhouse gases (GHG) reduction compared to the fossil based components.

Q: What are the 3 top milestones you have accomplished in the past 3 years?

1. METNIN technology commercially demonstrated at TRL 8 and METNIN SHIELD at TRL 7

2. MetGen has received LoI and MoU from potential off-takers for the METNIN products

3. Basic Engineering package available and strategic collaboration with major engineering company in place to provide EPC

Q: What are the 3 top milestones you will accomplish in the next 3 years?

1. MetGen has designed a 3 kton METNIN Demo plant. The aim is to demonstrate the process, scalability re-production and more importantly to make METNIN products available for off-takers. The project requires investment of 6 MEUR and can be completed in 24 months.

2. Commercial demonstration of METNIN polyols and METNIN resins.

3. MetGen plans to sell commercial licenses to build 9 commercial facilities worldwide (including 3 in Finland).

Q. Where can I learn more about MetGen Oy?

Click here to visit MetGen Oy’s website.

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