Mistra SafeChem's partner LigniCore has developed lignin-based thermoset materials that can be used for temporary road signs, says CTO Pierre Munier.
Bio-based road signs – a result from LigniCore
LigniCore’s team was involved from the beginning of Mistra SafeChem under the name RenFuel, providing data on lignin esters for the development of toxicology toolboxes. Today, they are providing material and data for the programme’s case study dedicated to lignin-based thermoset materials.
– The core of our research is the valorisation of lignin and other residual biomass feedstocks via their modification and use in functional materials. We are currently focusing on fully bio-based thermoset resins with high lignin content, which can be used in sustainable composites, says Pierre Munier, CTO of LigniCore.
What are your most important findings?
– We have developed a novel resin called LigniSet®, which is strong enough to compete with existing fossil products and contains around 50 per cent lignin. Also worth noting when it comes to a lignin-based material: LigniSet® is odourless and can be used indoors!
The production of composites with this resin is currently at TRL 6. LigniCore is committed to early commercialisation, starting with temporary road signs.
– There are next to no fully bio-based thermoset resins available on the market, which the construction and automotive industries heavily rely on. We aim to offer an ever-increasing product portfolio that will reduce the overall carbon footprint of these sectors, especially in areas such as decorative facades, indoor furniture, construction and automotive panels.
What has Mistra SafeChem meant for your work?
– As a small start-up company, we are very grateful to have been a part of Mistra SafeChem from the early stages of our product development. Being in contact with both academic experts and larger industrial partners that have well-established products is crucial for us to tackle sustainability, circularity and safety questions at the right time and make the best of our innovation, says Pierre Munier.
What do you want to focus on in the future?
– Our short-term goal is to build a pilot production unit for temporary road signs to secure our first sales. We have also begun prototyping early 3D shapes for decorative panels and facades. We will broaden our range of processing techniques and product portfolio to offer sustainable solutions to as many market sub-segments that rely on fossil resins as possible.
This text is from Mistra SafeChem's annual report for 2025. Read the full annual report here. pdf, 9 MB, opens in new window.