ReLignin: Sustainable Additive Manufacturing with Recycled Lignin
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - RISE |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 999 550 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - June 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Net Zero industry - Program-specific efforts |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Increased resource efficiency and resilience, stage 1 |
Important results from the project
The project met its goals by evaluating the sustainability of AM-manufactured products using recycled lignin and plastics. Initial tests revealed challenges with printability and material stability, but promising inter-layer adhesion and reduced printing times with optimized blends. Additionally, CO₂ measurements from LCA analyses are now used by industrial partners as a selling point. Synergies with other projects aided formulations, contributing to sustainable polymer composites.
Expected long term effects
The ReLignin project advances sustainable, high-performance materials for large-format additive manufacturing by utilizing lignin, an industrial byproduct. This supports circular economy principles and reduces fossil-based polymer reliance. Blending lignin with bioplastics like PLA creates eco-friendly, printable composites. These materials could replace conventional plastics in various industries, promoting further optimization and commercialization, and aligning with EU climate goals.
Approach and implementation
The ReLignin project involved consortium meetings to evaluate lignin as a thermoplastic composite filler. Multiple batches were compounded with various plastic matrices, followed by test printing. A promising blend was identified, and a demonstrator was successfully printed at a partner´s site with good results. Additionally, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact. This collaborative effort highlighted lignin´s potential in thermoplastic composites.