Chemistry

VITO’s sustainable lignin technology offers a safe, bio-based alternative for epoxy resins production

Over the past few months, VITO has seen rapidly growing interest from both the chemical industry and various industrial and public stakeholders in its depolymerized lignin technology. This technology, a promising bio-based alternative for the production of epoxy resins, is gaining attention amidst looming restrictions on bisphenol A (BPA) — the main building block of most current epoxy resins - and the search for a safer alternative.

News Roel Vleeschouwers 6 February 2025

VITO’s groundbreaking advancements include the development of technology to effectively depolymerise lignin up to pilot scale via the LignoValue project. Additionally, VITO developed in collaboration with industrial partners, technology and know-how to glycidylate this depolymerised lignin, to blend the resulting epoxy lignin with several other (bio-based) epoxides and finally to cure this blend consistently with targeted (bio-based) curing agents. Thanks to this know-how and IP built-up, VITO is actively collaborating with industry players to design formulations that meet the performance demands of major epoxy resin applications.

Recent research projects and bilateral contracts have further advanced the industrial application of VITO’s epoxy lignin technology, paving the way for real-world implementation.

Karolien Vanbroekhoven, Programme Manager of VITO’s Sustainable Polymer Technologies R&D team, explains: “We are addressing the need for safer epoxies with a lower carbon footprint that are easier to recycle. Of course, our top priority is delivering high-performance products suitable for diverse applications, such as coatings for the construction and water sectors and resins to reinforce composites. We’re making excellent progress toward these goals and look forward to exploring more end-use opportunities.”

Roel Vleeschouwers, Business Development Manager at VITO, adds: “After years of rigorous technology development, we are now seeing strong and tangible potential for valorising depolymerised lignin within the chemical industry.”

Upcoming events and ongoing projects related to the development of epoxy resins

Our experts will be happy to meet you at:

JEC world, 4- 6 march at the Belgian booth hall 6 S42 (https://www.jec-world.events/)
BIOKET, 11-13 march (https://bioket.tech/). Be sure to book a visit to our pilot facilities (site visit 3 – 1.30 up to 5.30 pm).

Several projects are currently supporting the development of depolymerised lignin technology for epoxy resin production:

LIFE Viable: This initiative focuses on valorising lignin biomass into competitive components that gradually replace BPA in epoxy resin formulations. Co-funded by the European Union, more information is available at life-viable.eu.
BBI Lignicoat: Funded by the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking under Horizon 2020, this project aims to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of using lignin as a raw material for bio-resins in sustainable coatings. Learn more at https://www.lignicoat.eu/.
Interreg BIOCAPPP: This initiative focuses on developing a bio-aromatics application center, enabling commercial production and market adoption of bio-aromatics. SMEs can access vouchers under this project. Details are available at interregvlaned.eu/bio-cappp.
BBBC Legacy: Supported by Belgium Builds Back Circular and FOD Economie, this project focuses on creating safe and sustainable-by-design epoxies for concrete coatings.