Valmet and Biochemtex to collaborate in developing technology for lignin derived biochemicals

Valmet Corporation's press release on May 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. EET

Valmet and Biochemtex will start to cooperate in the field of conversion of lignin into biochemicals. The development project will combine and adapt LignoBoost and Moghi technologies. LignoBoost is Valmet's proprietary technology for the extraction of purified lignin from black liquor produced by pulp mills. Moghi in turn is Biochemtex's proprietary technology for the conversion of lignin into biofuels and biochemicals.

This collaboration will create a high value market for lignin while providing the biochemical industry a consistent lignin stream to be used as a sustainable feedstock for the production of bioPET (bio based thermoplastic polymer).

"Valmet's industrially proven LignoBoost technology for lignin extraction plays an important role in this project. We are continuously developing new sustainable technologies for increasing the value of lignin. Combining LignoBoost and Moghi technologies is one of the very promising solutions we are looking into when developing biochemical technologies," says Rickard Andersson, Vice President for Valmet's Biotech and Environmental Systems.

"For us this partnership is an additional opportunity to provide the market with second generation biochemicals. We are already working with our own and Beta Renewables technologies. The cooperation with Valmet will allow to increase the feedstock available to produce bioPX, a key raw material for the production of PET made 100% from renewable sources. Existing pilot plant facilities, and the dedicated demo plant under construction in Italy, combined with the skills and know-how in both organizations, will provide a solid base to deliver fast and positive outcome for this exciting opportunity," says Giovanni Bolcheni, CEO of Biochemtex.

About Biochemtex

Biochemtex is a leader in the technologies for the production of second generation biofuels and biochemicals. It is part of the Mossi Ghisolfi Group and a global leader in the development and engineering of technologies and bio-chemical processes based on the exclusive use of non-food biomass, as an alternative to oil.

VALMET
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:
Jussi Mäntyniemi, Director, Technology and R&D, Pulp and Energy, Valmet, tel. +358 40 769 8154

Alessandra Bogliano, R&D Director, Biochemtex, tel. +39 0131 88 28 11

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2015 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.