Lignin is no longer just a byproduct—it's fast becoming a key building block in the shift toward sustainable materials and bio-based innovation. On May 21, 2025, ForestBioFacts and Finnish Forest Products Engineers’ Association, in collaboration with TAPPI, will host a free webinar that explores the commercialization of lignin and its real-world value across industries.
Webinar title:
Who Says You Can’t Make Money from Lignin?
Commercialization of Lignin as a Building Block for the Circular Economy
Date & Time:
🗓 Wednesday, May 21, 2025
🕘 4:00 p.m. EEST / 3:00 p.m. CET / 9:00 a.m. EDT
📍 Online | Free to attend — registration required
This 90-minute webinar brings together a diverse group of industry experts who are leading lignin innovation from research to commercialization. Attendees will gain insights into the latest technologies, market potential, and business models driving lignin's future.
🔹 Featured Speakers
Lari Vähäsalo – Co-Founder, AB BLN-Woods Ltd
A chemistry expert and innovator in biomass fractionation, Lari has developed groundbreaking methods for extracting lignin without sulfur—technology that now forms the foundation of BIOFORCENSE®. With decades of experience in wood and paper chemistry and a strong academic background from Åbo Akademi University, he brings deep insight into lignin’s potential as a high-value material.
Vesa Kukkamo – CEO, ACA Systems
A seasoned executive in the chemical and paper technology industries, Vesa brings a global perspective from leadership roles at BASF, Omya, and CH Polymer. He is also a Guest Professor at the Munich University of Applied Sciences and an active TAPPI member. His expertise lies in bridging innovation with industry implementation.
Elina Lohiniva – Business Development Director, Lignin, Andritz Pulp & Paper
For over three years, Elina has led lignin business development at Andritz, one of the world’s leading technology suppliers to the pulp and paper industry. Her strategic vision focuses on creating value from lignin through practical, scalable solutions.
Viktor Odenbrink – Sales Director, Södra Bioproducts
With nearly a decade at Södra and eight years focused on commercial and business development, Viktor leads the market efforts for the company’s lignin program. He offers valuable perspective on the customer side of lignin innovation and commercialization.
Chris Luettgen – Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Chris Luettgen is a professor at Georgia Tech with a Ph.D. in Pulp and Paper Science – Surface Chemistry. He brings extensive experience from both academia and industry, with expertise in quality management, consumer products, and pulp and paper innovation. A former member of the TAPPI Board of Directors, Chris offers a well-rounded perspective on lignin’s role in advancing sustainable technologies.
Why Attend?
Whether you're working in research, business development, sustainability, or industry operations, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to explore how lignin can generate new value streams.
🎫 Registration is free but required to attend.
👉 Register now to reserve your spot
Be among the first to hear how lignin is making the leap from lab to market—and why it's time your organization paid attention.
Organized by Finnish Forest Products Engineers’ Association, ForestBioFacts, and TAPPI.
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/