It's all wood
Strong, simple
and sustainable
What are LignoSpheres​
​
LignoSpheres, or more commonly lignin spheres, represent a new class of low-cost and environmentally friendly biomaterials. They enable the use of lignin, a side stream from pulp production, for the production of bio-based, high-performance adhesives and coatings - at a price level that is competitive with petrochemical alternatives. LignoSphere’s patented production process and adhesive/coating applications have been developed at Aalto University and Häme University of Applied Sciences.
Sustainable by nature
LignoSpheres can be produced from the separated lignin stream of pulp mills with commonly available equipment in a cost and energy efficient, closed cycle process. In the LignoSphere process, the consumption of fossil feedstock is minimal due to the recycling of solvents. Additionally, we have formulated our final adhesive and coating applications so that the end-product can be up to 100% bio-based. The use of LignoSpheres also allows a reduction or complete replacement of commonly used amine-based curing agents, which reduces the VOC content and improves the end-product’s safety.
Coatings
Our reference coatings are 2-component epoxy coatings with LignoSpheres as the main component. We have achieved excellent, customer-verified results with coatings on a variety of surfaces. Pigments can also be added to achieve different colours and shades.The LignoSphere bioepoxy coatings have excellent durability and when LignoSpheres are added to existing coating formulations, their strength is greatly improved. LignoSpheres are easy to mix with epoxies even in aqueous systems, and cure at room temperature. The coatings adhere well to several materials, including metals, concrete, and wood.
Adhesives
Our reference adhesives are also 2-component epoxy formulations based on LignoSpheres and a carefully chosen bioepoxy component. They have been tested to produce a very strong shear and withstand boiling tests, making them a very competitive candidate for applications such as engineered wood. Bond strengths up to and beyond 10 N/mm² are achieved both for glued-in rods and glulam. The use of LignoSpheres does not require the manufacturer to re-invent application methods. The final product is used much like traditional epoxies.
What are Lignin Spheres?
Lignin spheres are simply spherical, water-dispersible, typically colloidal lignin particles. They require specific conditions to form, and LignoSphere has a highly efficient, patented process for creating these conditions. Even beyond adhesives and coatings, they are useful in many other applications, and many benefits are constantly being discovered, e.g., as antioxidants or UV-absorbers.
Background
In 2023, 8 million tonnes of pulp was produced in the Finnish pulp mills alone. Globally, this figure was 195 million tonnes in 2023. For every ton of pulp, roughly 400kg of lignin is produced.
Globally, pulp mills burn appr. 49 million tons of lignin annually for energy recovery, representing about 98-99% of the lignin produced. Its commercial value is low due to the lack of high-value products. LignoSphere offers a sustainable and profitable use for lignin. Our breakthrough technology enables the full exploitation of lignin’s unique properties in adhesives and coatings used in numerous applications. And the best part: it’s all wood.
Partner with us
LignoSphere offers a completely new sustainable and safe alternative for the adhesives and coatings industry, made from readily available side streams. Join our mission to effectively utilize lignin and make the world a greener place to live and breathe.