How to turn Lignin Valorisation into Success
Workshop hosted by the EU Projects COUNTLESS and LIGNOFUN
On 22 September, CLIB brought together experts from industry, research and innovation for the workshop “How to Turn Lignin Valorisation into Success” as part of the Renewable Materials Conference 2026. Interest in the topic was high. A dedicated session on lignin valorisation on the first day of the conference had already demonstrated that lignin is gaining increasing attention within the bioeconomy. Alongside its potential as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based aromatics, lignin is becoming increasingly relevant in light of uncertain fossil feedstock supply chains.
The workshop was organised by the CBE JU projects LIGNOFUN and COUNTLESS. Both projects aim to make lignin-based aromatic compounds available for industrial applications, thereby replacing fossil-based raw materials in a wide range of products. Reflecting this ambition, the workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including project partners and representatives from different application sectors across the value chain.
The discussions focused on two key questions:
- How can different lignin feedstocks and processing technologies be optimally matched with specific application areas?
- For which products can lignin-based intermediates create real added value, and what market opportunities do they offer?
The discussions highlighted that the wide variety and heterogeneity of lignins are both a challenge and an opportunity. Developing tailored and competitive solutions requires comprehensive data and a deeper understanding of the relationships between feedstock, processing and end-use applications. Participants also stressed the importance of close collaboration between feedstock suppliers, technology developers and downstream industries to define requirements early and facilitate effective market uptake.
Particular attention was given to the potential of advanced depolymerisation and fractionation technologies. Within LIGNOFUN and COUNTLESS alone, several processes are being developed and scaled up to produce tailor-made bio-based aromatics with different specifications and properties. This opens up new opportunities for applications in plastics, resins, coatings and speciality chemicals.
To conclude the workshop, participants jointly developed a roadmap identifying key stakeholders and concrete actions needed to advance the lignin value chain. Despite their different perspectives, there was broad consensus that the successful market deployment of lignin-based solutions can only be achieved through a coordinated effort across the entire ecosystem. No single actor will be able to drive market adoption alone. Instead, progress will require collaboration across the value chain, appropriate support mechanisms for first-of-a-kind plants, and investments that help mitigate technological risks and accelerate scale-up.
Maintaining visibility for the topic will be equally important. Cluster organisations, research projects and other multipliers can play a key role in showcasing the potential of lignin-based products, communicating success stories and building confidence in this innovative renewable feedstock.
We would like to sincerely thank all participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions. The outcomes of the workshop will feed into the ongoing activities of LIGNOFUN and COUNTLESS and support the development of a strong European lignin value chain.
