Transitioning to carbon neutrality—or even carbon negativity—requires a shift toward renewable raw materials, particularly those derived from biomass. Lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer on Earth after cellulose, holds tremendous but largely untapped potential. It accounts for roughly one-third of the dry mass of plants and is currently produced as a byproduct of the pulp and paper and biofuel industries.

This course will introduce the basic of lignin—its chemistry, types, and key properties—and explore how it can be transformed into high-value, sustainable bioproducts. With over 60% biobased carbon content, lignin offers a unique opportunity to replace petroleum-derived raw materials and extend the carbon storage (CO2) originally captured by plants in products for another 1-100 years. Beyond carbon benefits, incorporating lignin into materials can enhance flame retardancy, UV- stability, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties.

The talk will cover a few examples of lignin applications, such as: 1) Fully replacing petroleum-derived phenol in phenolic resins; 2) Substituting polyols in polyurethane adhesives, coatings, and flexible and rigid foams; and 3) Replacing bisphenol A (BPA) to create fully biobased epoxy resins for coatings, adhesives, and biocomposites. Together, these applications highlight lignin’s vital role in creating high-performance, sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based materials.

1. Industry Professionals in Bioplastics and Sustainable Materials
   Managers, scientists, and engineers working in bioplastics, biopolymers, and renewable materials, interested in leveraging lignin for sustainable product development.
2. Chemical and Biochemical Engineers
   Professionals focused on bioprocessing, green chemistry, and developing biobased alternatives to traditional materials.
3. Materials Scientists and Engineers
   Individuals researching or developing innovative, sustainable materials, particularly those replacing fossil-based components with renewable resources like lignin.
4. Sustainability and R&D Managers
   Leaders in industries seeking to improve sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and incorporate biobased materials into their products.
5. Researchers and Academics in Sustainability or Bioproducts
   Academics exploring lignin’s potential applications in sustainable product development and green technology.

• Are you being asked to develop sustainable materials, but don’t know how to tap into underused biopolymers like lignin?
• Do you wonder whether lignin can really replace petroleum-derived compounds in high-performance products—without compromising quality?
• Are you trying to meet carbon-reduction goals but haven’t found a renewable feedstock that’s scalable, functional, and cost-effective?

If lignin is on your radar—but still a mystery—this course is exactly what you need.

Everyday Problems You’ll Address:

• How can I use lignin as a renewable raw material in my formulations?
• Is industrial lignin just low-value waste, or can it become a core material in adhesives, coatings, foams, and composites?
• Can lignin-based materials meet the performance expectations of petroleum-derived resins and additives?
• What are the real carbon storage benefits of lignin—and how long do they last in end-use products?
• How do I integrate lignin into existing workflows and communicate its environmental and functional value?

What You’ll Learn:

• A solid introduction to lignin’s structure, types, and key chemical properties, including what makes it so promising yet underused.
• How lignin—produced at large scale in pulp, paper, and biofuel industries—can be upcycled into high-value products?
• Why over 60% biobased carbon content makes lignin a serious tool for carbon-neutral and even carbon-negative material strategies?
• Functional advantages: lignin can improve flame retardancy, UV stability, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties in polymers.
• Real-world applications replacing: Phenol in phenolic resins, Polyols in polyurethane-based foams, adhesives, and coatings.