SPLENDOR

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF LIGNIN-DERIVED END-PRODUCTS VIA DEPOLYMERISATION REACTIONS

Project details

Type of project: Innovation Action - Demonstration
Project focus: Bio-based chemicals
Feedstock origin: Forestry waste
Feedstock type: Lignin & wood residues

Project period: 1 September 2025 - 31 August 2028
Status: Upcoming
CBE JU Contribution: € 7 318 641,00
Call identifier: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024

Summary

The pulp and paper industry is a major source of black liquor, a byproduct with significant potential for producing high-value aromatic chemicals. However, current technologies rely on purified lignin, which involves expensive and resource-intensive processing.

The SPLENDOR project aims to revolutionise the transformation of lignin by offering an economically viable and sustainable method for producing high-value aromatic chemicals from black liquor. The project promotes a circular economy through a rapid, one-step sustainable depolymerisation technology that converts the lignin present in black liquor from the pulping industry into targeted aromatic chemicals.

By employing innovative depolymerisation technology and collaborating with key stakeholders, the project aims to accelerate the adoption of bio-based chemicals, foster a circular economy, and reduce dependence on fossil resources.

Prove that lignin can be used to sustainably produce valuable chemicals through a simple, cost-effective process that meets market needs.
Demonstrate that the technology can operate continuously while adapting to produce various high-value chemicals as needed.
Integrate a continuous oil separation and recovery system, ensuring a highly efficient process.
Develop clear procedures for pulp mills, ensuring the technology is user-friendly and efficient across various industries.
Showcase the commercial viability of bio-based chemicals, ensuring that they are both market-driven and sustainable.
Evaluate bio-based oils as plasticiser substitutes in tyres and rubber, ensuring performance parity with conventional alternatives.
Show that the technology and its bio-based products are safe and sustainable, focusing on products such as vanillin and waterproof coatings.

Increase the use of lignin by integrating a new depolymerisation system in pulp mills, enabling over 90% conversion into valuable bio-aromatic chemicals.
Unlock the development of new lignin-based applications in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and other chemicals in the medium term.
Deploy biorefineries at European pulp mills, leading to the processing of 5 million tonnes of lignin per year and creating a value of €14 billion.
Achieve annual CO2 savings of up to 50,000 tonnes with the demo plant (1-2 years post-project) and up to 800,000 tonnes with the first commercial plant (3-5 years post-project), based on their respective.
Reduce CO2 emissions by replacing fossil-based aromatics with bio-based alternatives, saving 50 million tonnes of CO2 more than 10 years after project completion.
Broaden the availability of bio-based chemicals by producing a diverse range of high-value aromatic compounds with up to 100% conversion.
Promote the EU bioeconomy by advancing R&I in lignin transformation and bioprocess optimisation.
Boost the adoption of bio-based solutions in the European chemical market, improving access to sustainable alternatives.