Lignin Biorefinery: An effective Biomass conversion to Value added Product
Introduction
An abundance in lignocellulosic biomass globally can emerge as an important solution for ever increasing fuel and chemical demands. A sustainable conversion of the biomass in the value-added products, sugars and fuels, i.e. a sustainable biorefinery seems to be the future of effective biomass utilization.
Intellectual Property(IP) Trend
Fig 1. Major Assignees involved in lignin driven research
Fig 2. IP trend amongst the industry, academia and independent inventors
Market Trends
The lignin is emerging as a very potent alternative/precursor for various aromatics and polymers. The market is expected to grow at the rate of 3.42% during the period 2018-2023 from current 974.6 million, where it may form a major share in the cement industry as a cement additive. If we look at the global scenario, Europe appears to be the major market for lignin based products which currently accounts for approximately 34% of the total market share. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that the research and innovation in the lignin biorefinery is going to see a greater boom in the near future, drifting the current manufacturing and construction practices towards greener alternatives.
Gourav Dhiman
