BIOBASED CHEMICALS performance, prompting a broader trial programme.
We then reached out to Airsoft players and swimmers, who provided feedback after testing the product in real-world scenarios. Later, we tested with nationallevel athletes, some of whom were also Olympic medallists. Most people praised its performance and, most notably, users noted a lack of eye irritation that they often found with traditional sprays.
Internally, we kept formulation concentrations as low as possible while maintaining efficiency. Ingredients are food-grade, and lignin fractions used in LigNoFog were tested for irritating compounds before being used. Purification during the SOLV process also ensured that any residual molecules with adverse effects were removed before formulation.
Industrial & consumer applications
Lignin-based dispersions reduce the surface tension of water, which is an essential property for anti-fog coatings. From early on, we saw this as a practical way to prove that lignin uses go beyond adhesives or bulk fillers( Figure 1).
The anti-fog market is niche, but that is exactly why we chose it. We wanted to demonstrate that lignin could work in a consumer-based application, previously thought off-limits. Anti-fog also allowed us to bring the product to market much quicker without major regulatory hurdles.
Although goggles, diving masks and safety glasses represent firstuse cases, the technology has wider relevance. It can also be used for car windshields, bathroom mirrors and even greenhouses, where fog can impact crop yields. Each application would require tuning the lignin fraction, additive mix and dispersion stability. The commercialisation of LigNoFog has helped prove these adjustments are viable at scale.
While LigNoFog is a specific formulation, the ability to make lignin soluble opens the door to other applications. We are currently exploring UV-absorbing surface coatings and cosmetic emulsions, taking advantage of lignin’ s natural antioxidant and UVblocking properties.
SOLV technology makes this feasible by preventing aggregation and improving compatibility with water-based systems. Increasing concentrations of lignin correspond to higher SPF values, highlighting its promise in sunscreen formulations, with potential to extend into broader UV-protective coatings( Figure 2).
The lignin Boreal uses is sourced from certified Nordic forestry side streams, primarily spruce sawdust. This approach avoids competition with food crops and leverages existing biomass flows.
Burning lignin, while technically‘ renewable’, still contributes to biogenic
CO 2 emissions. Replacing fossil-based chemicals with biobased alternatives helps to decarbonise product inputs and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
This zero-waste process avoids harsh solvents, recycles water and reduces downstream purification needs. By shifting lignin from fuel to formulation, we enable a higher-value, lower-impact material pathway.
Challenges & outlook
The pulp and paper industry is beginning to reconsider lignin’ s value. With limited wood supply and rising biomass prices, there is growing interest in monetising what was once considered just fuel.
Sustainability considerations also add weight to this. If we are to meaningfully reduce global emissions, we must look at materials as well as energy. Lignin offers a credible alternative to fossil-based ingredients if we stop burning it.
While technical progress is clear, lignin’ s heterogeneity remains a challenge. Variability between feedstocks and processing routes can impact reproducibility. Research into UV absorbent coatings and further applications are ongoing. The aim is to utilise lignin’ s natural antioxidant and light-absorbing properties in sectors where both functionality and sustainability are valued.
Conclusion
LigNoFog was never about cornering the anti-fog market. It was about changing the narrative. Lignin is not just biomass waste or an energy source; it is a complex, underutilised material that can offer real functionality.
As regulations tighten and industries move towards fossil-free targets, materials like lignin need to be reevaluated. With technologies such as SOLV, we can bridge the gap between sustainability and performance.
Replacing fossil-based materials with biobased ones cannot succeed if biomass continues to be wasted. True circularity means putting every component to use. ●
Alexander Henn
R & D MANAGER
Figure 2- Effect of sunscreen SPF value vs. SOLV concentration
BOREAL BIOPRODUCTS J alexander. henn @ borealbioproducts. com j www. borealbioproducts. com /
SEP / OCT 2025 SPECCHEMONLINE. COM
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