The Biorefinery Model – Replacing Fossil Fuels
Reimaging biomass valorisation through the Biorefinery Concept has not only been realised, it is now taking place and being implemented by many innovators across the world. Biorefinery-Tech presents an opportunity for us to use waste coming from the greatest underutilised carbon resource readily available, waste plant material, to produce valuable materials. These technologies have shown viability in different markets primarily dominated by the use of fossil fuels. Importantly, biorefineries have always been envisaged as a complement and/or replacement for conventional refineries as they not only reduce reliance on dwindling fossil fuels but also mitigate environmental challenges. The rapid uptake of Biorefinery technologies is a great leap for the transformation of multiple industries, and more essentially in finally bringing forth the philosophical arguments that the circular economy can be achieved through the use of renewable and sustainable resources. Advancements in research within the scientific and biotechnological communities focused on biorefineries has led to significant strides in product development and expansion in access to various markets. With this in mind, this article will focus on the impact of the biorefinery concept on existing markets, currently heavily reliant on fossil fuel resources and the role African industries can play to contribute to the rapid development of sustainable technologies.
Lignin – God’s Particle of Biotechnology’
At the centre of the Biorefinery concept is a complex polymer, Lignin – a molecule, whose chemical structure has yet to be fully elucidated – I have dubbed it the Gods’ Particle of Biotechnology. As complex as it is, lignin can be linearly transformed from its primary functionalities, providing structural support to plants, to a versatile polymer, applicable for utility across multiple industries. In plant material, lignin has specific functions that can be directly beneficial for human utilisation. It is the plant cells’ guard against pathogens and free radicals; protecting plants against UV rays from the sun, assisting in transporting water around different parts of the pant, and finally acting as the glue that keep plants strong for decades and even centuries. These inherent properties, through biorefinery technologies and green chemistry extraction processes, can be harnessed for everyday utility.
Below are examples of lignin’s inherent properties and their potential applications in developing key value-added products:
Hydrophobicity – In its native form, lignin has a non-polar, water-repellent nature due to its heavily crosslinked structure and the abundance of aromatic and methoxyl groups. This makes it naturally hydrophobic, ideal for protecting plants against water damage. As such, this property is normally repurposed in:
Barrier coatings: Used in paper or biodegradable packaging to provide water resistance.
Composites: Enhances the water resistance of bio-based composites used in construction and automotive parts.
Mechanical strength and reinforcement – Lignin’s role in maintaining the mechanical strength and structural integrity of plants is essential and as such is considered the ‘glue’ of plants material. The incorporation of lignin presents opportunities to enhance the tensile strength, rigidity and durability of material such as:
Bio-composites: Lignin is used as a filler or binder in bio-based plastics and fibres (e.g., for furniture, construction materials, or automotive panels) to improve structural performance.
Adhesives and binders: When blended with resins, lignin improves bond strength and durability in particleboard and plywood.
3D Printing materials: Lignin is being explored in filament blends to strengthen bioplastics.
Rubber and elastomer additive: Improves tear resistance and elasticity when used as a reinforcing filler.
Importantly, lignin presents the opportunity to reduce and or replace toxic chemicals with biodegradable eco-friendly alternatives
UV absorption, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity – The phenolic hydroxyl and aromatic groups confer the antioxidant and UV absorption properties in lignin ensuring contributing to its ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative degradation along with absorbing harmful UV radiation thus protecting materials from photodegradation. These properties make lignin ideal for use in;
Personal care and cosmetics: Incorporated into creams and lotions to reduce oxidative skin damage.
Food industry: Acts as a natural antioxidant in food packaging or as an additive to extend shelf life.
Paints and coatings: Used in outdoor paints and wood finishes to improve UV resistance
Thermal stability – Lignin’s structure gives it resistance to thermal decomposition, making it suitable for high-temperature applications such as;
Thermal insulation, flame retardant additive and carbon rich material: Lignin-derived materials can serve multiple high-value applications including the production of carbon-rich products like activated carbon or carbon black, integration into thermal insulation foams and composites, and as flame-retardant additives to enhance the fire resistance of polymers.
These functional properties of Lignin in everyday use products and materials are just a tip of the iceberg.
LignOrganic’s Role in Shaping the Future of Biorefineries
As the first Biorefinery in Africa and the first globally to fully utilise every component of waste plant biomass, LignOrganic is setting a new benchmark for the future of biorefineries. Our patented technology, built on energy-efficient processes and green chemistry principles, enables complete biomass valorisation. This isn’t just a possibility, it’s a necessary step toward truly sustainable industrial economies. Driven by a strong R&D foundation, we’ve developed a suite of innovative products, including bio-oils suitable for fuel applications and emission-free lignin coal with a higher calorific value than conventional coal. These advancements represent a significant leap forward in renewable energy solutions. A wide range of other high-value industrial chemicals and materials are also emerging from our biorefinery pipeline. We’ll be unpacking these developments and the science behind them in future blog posts.
Join this revolution with LignOrganic for the next steps in functionalising nature to work for us with the forward thinking move towards Reimaging Sustainability.
References
- Lisý A, Ház A, Nadányi R, Jablonský M, Šurina I. About Hydrophobicity of lignin: A review of selected chemical methods for lignin valorisation in biopolymer production. Energies. 2022 Aug 26;15(17):6213.
- Jawerth ME, Brett CJ, Terrier C, Larsson PT, Lawoko M, Roth SV, Lundmark S, Johansson M. Mechanical and morphological properties of lignin-based thermosets. ACS Applied Polymer Materials. 2020 Jan 21;2(2):668-76.
- Zhang Y, Naebe M. Lignin: A review on structure, properties, and applications as a light-colored UV absorber. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 2021 Jan 21;9(4):1427-42.
- Shah SW, Xu Q, Ullah MW, Sethupathy S, Morales GM, Sun J, Zhu D. Lignin-based additive materials: A review of current status, challenges, and future perspectives. Additive Manufacturing. 2023 Jul 25;74:103711.
- Zhao J, Xiuwen W, Hu J, Liu Q, Shen D, Xiao R. Thermal degradation of softwood lignin and hardwood lignin by TG-FTIR and Py-GC/MS. Polymer degradation and stability. 2014 Oct 1;108:133-8.