Pilot lignin-based bio-aromatics project launched in Belgium

In Belgium, last month the first and only pilot line of bio-aromatics from lignin in Europe was officially opened at the VITO site. Replacing fossil-based products with bio-based, high-performance and safe alternatives represents a major economic challenge for the European chemical industry. Several studies have identified biomass containing lignin (e.g. wood, grass, straw, corn straw) as the biomass of choice for the sustainable production of chemicals and especially so-called bio-aromatics. The next step was to design and develop a pilot plant to produce bio-aromatics on a scale relevant to industry.

With the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project LignoValue Pilot, Biorizon co-initiator VITO, Worley Belgium and PMV realised a pilot line to demonstrate technologies to depolymerise lignin in a continuous process. The pilot plant allows proof-of-concepts of the different process steps to be delivered. The LignoValue Pilot is moreover located on a specialised site, where safety, material supply and product flow are guaranteed. The proximity of VITO, Flanders’ sustainability research organisation, is a major asset.

More on the story.