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A large US company is looking for proposals for development of enabling technologies for new, high value-added applications of kraft lignin. They are interested in licensing, contract research, joint development and supplier agreement.
Description
The company, with invoicing of US$ 4.5 billion and 85 years experience in the
market, produces pulp and paper from Eucalyptus wood, generating substantial quantities of lignin, a
natural amorphous polymer, as a by-product. They use a small portion of the lignin as fuel to
support their manufacturing process but there is substantial excess lignin available for other uses.
The company has strong growing plans for the next five years and seeks processes, systems,
and new applications to develop high value use of kraft lignin.
Possible approaches might
include, but are not limited to:
- Any new applications with high value that meet stated
requirements and constraints
- Converting lignin into useful chemicals or materials that
include, but are not limited to: carbon fiber, aromatic chemicals, polymer resins, polymer
modifiers, absorbents, dispersing agents, adhesives without formaldehyde, antioxidants, and other
novel applications
- Applications in medicine
- Using kraft lignin without any
modification.
The following approaches are not of interest:
- Common, ordinary
processes that burn lignin (unless novel)
- Processes to convert lignin into biofuels
Technical specifications / Specific technical requirement:
The successful technology will:
• Provide high value uses for lignin
• Preferably be suitable to use kraft
lignin
- From a variety of species including, but not limited to: Eucalyptus, pine, and other
softwood and hardwood species
• Be compatible with sponsor’s kraft pulp production
process.
Further information (technical details about the profile)
The respondent
should start by submitting a written response briefly describing the technical approach and
providing information on technology performance, background, and description of the responding team
and its related experience.
The response will be evaluated according to the following
criteria:
- Overall scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach.
- Approach
to proof of concept and performance.
- Potential for proprietary position (i.e. novel or
protectable technology).
- Economic potential of the concept.
- The respondent’s
capabilities and related experience.
- Realism of the proposed plan and cost estimates.
Some items that will be especially important to include:
• High-level description of
proposed technology including, if available:
- Intended use for or transformation of kraft
lignin into another product
- Explanation of how your process is applicable to kraft lignin
- Technical insight and/or market insights which form basis of proposal
- Clear
project objectives and activity
- Defendable estimate of lignin usage or impact (tons/year)
- Estimated value of the output
- Technology maturity (concept, preliminary trials,
ready to commercialize, commercialized)
- Probability of success to scale-up
- Pathway
and timeline to commercial scale including required investment
- Explanation of integration
into pulp and paper manufacturing process, if applicable
- Environmental impact of proposed
approach
• Team description including relevant assets and capabilities
•
Willingness to work with third parties to maximize synergy and co-funding
• Intellectual
property position
- List of relevant patents, if available
- Desired relationship with
sponsor.
Collaboration details:
Responses from small to large companies, academic
researchers, other research institutes, consultants, entrepreneurs or inventors are welcome. The
technology sought may either be ready for testing and transfer to commercial use or require further
development.
ANTICIPATED PROJECT PHASES OR PROJECT PLAN
Phase 1 – Proof of
concept
Demonstrate utilization of kraft lignin in high-value product, including economic
assessment and pathway to commercial application.
Phase 2 – Commercial optimization
Technology optimization, pilot scale testing, and full deployment into pulp and paper
manufacturing process.
CRITERIA FOR MOVING FROM PHASE 1 TO PHASE 2
Company will
consider for advancement a program that makes adequate progress toward technical feasibility and
commercial readiness with acceptable return on investment.
Collaboration Type
- Adaptation to specific needs
- Joint further development
- License Agreement
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