Marcus Wallenberg Prize 2024 awarded to lignin research

Professor Boerjan has provided deep insights into the biosynthesis of the lignin building blocks and has led to the discovery of key enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis. Professor Ralph has developed breakthroughs in understanding lignin structure, its subunits, linkages, and composition using advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) methods. The work of the laureates provides essential information for scientists optimizing lignin extraction from wood through traditional pulping as well as for the development of biorefinery concepts to produce chemical building blocks from wood. 

The prize was presented by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf on Monday 11 November in Stockholm.

Science and industry gathered together to discuss lignin utilization

After the official ceremonies the scientific community and industry actors gathered together in Stockholm to discuss the potential of lignin. The one-day seminar covered the scientific focus, lignin innovations and ended with some start-up presentations. In the event Hanna Karlsson, Valmet’s Lignin Business Development Manager, presented Valmet’s lignin production experience and concepts under the title “State of the art in industrial lignin separation”. 

Hanna Karlsson presented Valmet’s lignin production technology and development at the symposium.

In her presentation she emphasized that the technology to produce lignin and turn it into valuable products already exists. Kraft lignin has been successfully produced on an industrial scale for over 10 years. She also highlighted the importance of tailoring the lignin to ensure the right quality: “Whether the lignin is intended for a high-value product or as a commodity, the quality must be suitable for its intended purpose. Valmet spends as much time on R&D for lignin refining and lignin quality development as we do on optimizing the LignoBoost process and lignin mill development. We work together with actors along the whole value chain as well as research institutes and universities”.

Both laureates presented their research areas in the scientific part. In the start-up part various lignin usage cases were presented. Christopher Carrick from Lignin Industries presented how they work to replace plastic with lignin, by chemical modification of lignin to thermoplastic lignin, which can be mixed with ordinary plastics. Bitta Nilsson presented Stora Enso’s liquid NeoLigno product that can be used as a binder for example in particle boards, mineral wool, MDF and plywood. Malin Alpsten from Bright Day Graphene illustrated their innovation to produce graphene powder from kraft lignin that is suitable for electronics and energy storages.