Commercial use of lignin-based materials

The usefulness of industrial lignins has been demonstrated by the profitability of the lignin chemicals business operated worldwide. The total sales in 1980 amounted to 180 million dollars. By 1996 that number had grown to 600 million dollars. This growth is fueled by demand in the traditional industries: oil well drilling additives, concrete additives, dyestuff dispersants, agricultural chemicals, animal feed and other industrial binders. Within the past few years new potential uses for modified commercial lignins have appeared that will continue to fuel this growth. Specialty polymers for the paper industry, enzyme protection, neutralization of biocides, precious metal recovery aids and wood preservation are some examples of these advanced uses.