Valmet and Biochemtex link up to develop technology for lignin-derived biochemicals

Valmet, a Finnish energy technology firm, and Biochemtex, an Italian engineering firm, 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.

In a statement, Valment said that 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).

Rickard Andersson, vice president for Valmet's Biotech and Environmental Systems, said: "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.”

‘Second-generation biochemicals’

Giovanni Bolcheni, CEO of Biochemtex, added: "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 organisations, will provide a solid base to deliver fast and positive outcome for this exciting opportunity.”