New CBE JU Project SPLENDOR Launches to Transform Lignin Residue into Sustainable Chemicals

The project (Sustainable Production of Lignin-derived End-products via Depolymerisation Reactions) aims to boost the bio-based economy by scaling up a cost-effective technology to valorise lignin, a major by-product of the pulp and paper industry, into high-value plant-based chemicals and novel products as sustainable alternatives to those made from fossil resources.

At the heart of SPLENDOR is an innovative technology, which is currently patent-pending, that transforms black liquor (the liquid left over from paper production) directly into useful bio-based building blocks for chemicals. This process is unique because it works in one step, without requiring pre-treatment, additional chemicals, or catalysts. The outcome of the project is to integrate this zero-waste technology into an existing pulp mill infrastructure, where it will also help recycle the chemicals already used in the paper-making process. 

To improve and scale up this technology, the SPLENDOR project will combine advanced product characterization, smart data analysis, scientific modelling, and practical engineering. A prototype that can process 250 litres per hour will be tested for an extended period in a real pulp mill. This will help prove that the process works on a larger scale and provide the information needed to eventually build a much bigger version that can handle 5,000 litres per hour. 

Beyond the core technology, SPLENDOR will develop and evaluate four high-value industrial applications for the resulting bio-aromatics: fine chemicals, waterproof coatings, tire plasticizers, and fuel components. 

Through this integrated and circular approach, SPLENDOR aims to substantially enhance the resource efficiency of the European chemical and pulp industries, while contributing to the EU Green Deal, climate targets, and circular economy goals. If the technology is rolled out at full scale, over 800,000 tons of CO2 could be saved from a single factory. 

SPLENDOR kicks off on the 1st of September 2025 and will run for 36 months until August 2028. The project proudly brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of 12 partners from 7 European countries, including academic institutions, industry leaders, and innovation experts: 

1. UNIVERSITEIT GENT (BE) – Coordinator 

1. NOVA BIOCHEM LTD (UK) 

1. UPM-KYMMENE OYJ (FI) 

1. RISE RESEARCH INSTITUTES OF SWEDEN AB (SE) 

1. RISE LIGNODEMO AB (SE) – Affiliated 

1. RISE PROCESSUM AB (SE) – Affiliated 

1. THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM (UK) 

1. STRANE INNOVATION (FR) 

1. UNIVERSITEIT MAASTRICHT (NL) 

1. SPECIALTY OPERATIONS FRANCE (FR) 

1. SOPREMA (FR) 

1. HANSEN & ROSENTHAL GMBH & CO. KG (DE) 

SPLENDOR is part of a pool of 30 projects (out of 298 proposals) that have signed agreements with CBE JU to develop innovative bio-based solutions at scale to reduce Europe’s reliance on fossil resources, create green jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth.  

SPLENDOR will launch in September 2025 and run for three years. Stay updated on the project’s progress and breakthroughs by following our channels and project partners. 

More info:

https://www.cbe.europa.eu/projects/splendor 

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101213148