FPInnovations is a private, not-for-profit organization headquartered in Pointe Claire, Quebec, that specializes in scientific solutions for the forestry sector. One of their innovations is a proprietary process that recovers lignin – a highly versatile and renewable bioproduct – from waste products in the pulp industry. Lignin can be used as a replacement for fossil-based raw materials in products such as carbon fibre, adhesives, thermoplastics, resins, composites, and various chemicals.
 

However, commercialization efforts for lignin have exposed a lack of reliable and market-accepted methods for characterizing their chemical composition, structure, and properties. Such standards are essential to accelerate the development and commercialization of lignin-based products, and to differentiate lignin from various producers.
 

With SCC’s support, FPInnovations worked with the ISO Technical Committee on Paper, Board and Pulp (ISO/TC 6) to include lignin within the scope of the committee’s work, and they also led the development of four new international standards under a newly established working group.
The resulting standards will help promote commercialization of Canadian lignin and lignin production processes (LignoForce) by opening new markets and facilitating trade. They will also ensure emerging lignin producers will be well-positioned to gain a competitive advantage as the standards consider their capabilities.