Lignin-based biocomposites - Applications and new developments

Tecnaro develops, produces and markets biopolymer composites and blends. The portfolio includes "LIquid Wood" ARBOFORM ®, Wood Plastic or Natural Fibre reinforced Composites ARBOFILL and Biopolymer Compound ARBOBLEND. ARBOFORM and ARBOBLEND consist of biopolymers like the Wood constituent lignin or of lignin derivatives and/or other biopolymers like Polylactic Acid, Polyhydroxyalkanoates, biobased Polyamides and Polyolefins, etc. used as a binder for natural and other (bio-based) fibres.

The raw material lignin is second only to cellulose as the most abundant natural polymer. It is a by-product from pulp and paper industry. Annually more tan 50 million tons are directly burnt. Tecnaro uses lignin as a component in thermoplastic biomaterials and received several awards related to this sustainable innovation: Diesel Award, European Inventor Award, Deutscher Industriepreis (German Industry Award) 2009, Werkbund label 2008, VR Innovationspreis (Innovation Award of VR Bank) 2007, Golden Euromold Award, etc. The presentation given at BCIC2015 detailed properties and various applications of ARBOFORM.