Ligno Tech Florida plant officially opened

The 95 million EUR investment represents a production capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes lignin measured as dry substance. In a planned second phase, the capacity can later be expanded by 50,000 tonnes. The plant has been in test operation for some time, and the facility is now producing saleable lignin. At the time of the opening ceremony 600 tonnes had been delivered to US customers in June. “We are very pleased that we have been able to finish the construction of the new plant on time and within the estimated cost budget, and we are confident that the facility has the targeted capabilities,” says Per A. Sørlie, President and CEO of Borregaard.

A number of alternative markets

Initially it was foreseen that the products from the new plant would be sold primarily to applications within the construction industry. However, based on the inherent properties in the raw material, a number of alternative markets have been identified. The construction segment will still be very important, but the share of sales going to this end use is now foreseen to be below 50% in 2018. Ligno Tech Florida is owned by Borregaard (55%) and Rayonier Advanced Materials (45%), and employs 51 persons in Fernandina Beach.

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