Making the best use of the scope to interview Sven Hermansson, Program owner, Södra Lignin – Wood and Panel enjoyed the opportunity to know more about Kraft Lignin production. Here is the excerpt of the interview for better insight
WPE- What are the future plans that Södra is aiming for as a producer of kraft lignin?
Sven Hermansson- Södra’s new facility will have the largest capacity for kraft lignin production in the world. Production is planned to start in 2027.
WPE- What according to you is the main purpose for encouraging the production and use of kraft lignin? How can it be used for various notable purposes?
Sven Hermansson- Kraft lignin can replace fossil materials in, among other things, glue, batteries, rubber, composites and form the basis for new biofuels and biostimulators. The market and demand for replacements for fossil chemicals are increasing and Södra has for some time been exploring the opportunities on the market, had dialogue with potential customers and signed offtake agreements for a significant part of the production volumes.
There is good possibility for kraft lignin production both to contribute to the green transition and the profitability of the forest estate.
WPE- How will this fresh step encourage green transformation and sustainability, while increasing Södra’s business growth?
Sven Hermansson- There is good possibility for kraft lignin production both to contribute to the green transition and the profitability of the forest estate. The forest is being called on for many things as society seeks to replace fossil-based materials. To succeed in that transition, sustainability and profitability need to go hand in hand and Södra’s kraft lignin investment is a good example of that.
We will make more out of every tree and strengthen our profitability. This is a big investment for Södra and the green transition. With kraft lignin in our product portfolio, we are strengthening our position as a supplier of sustainable alternatives. Södra has seen potential in kraft lignin production for a long time. Now that we see growing market interest, we can offer a product that contributes to the green transition.
WPE- Let us know more about the production process and shed some light on the strategies that the company is devising for the production of kraft lignin.
Sven Hermansson- Kraft lignin is produced from the so called black liquor in the kraft pulping process. Black liquor is today energy recovered within in pulp mill, but a share of the lignin can be extracted if there is an energy surplus in the mill.
The lignin extraction happens in an innovative precipitation process and the final product will be a dried, densified commodity. Innovation is a necessary and important part of our business to ensure our competitiveness today and in the future. We are constantly working to create the most possible value from each tree, both with today’s processes and through new opportunities.
Within Sodra’s strategy, we see several future energy and chemical products with great potential as alternatives to fossil-based materials in society, of which kraft lignin is one.
