Johan Gising, CEO of AB Karl Hedin Bio Innovation, was invited as a speaker at Lignin Workshop 2025: “Lignin to X – Challenges and Potential”, hosted by Åbo Akademi University in Turku, Finland, on August 20–21, 2025.

The workshop brought together leading researchers, industrial representatives and invited guests to discuss the challenges and opportunities connected to lignin utilization. With a strong focus on biomass fractionation, lignin chemistry, material applications and industrial implementation, the event provided an important platform for collaboration between academia and industry.

In his invited presentation, “Tailor-made lignins from one-step biomass fractionation”, Johan Gising presented AB Karl Hedin Bio Innovation’s work on developing application-adapted lignin from sawmill side streams. The company’s technology enables lignin to be extracted directly from wood chips and sawdust in a single step, opening new possibilities to replace fossil-based raw materials and develop high-value, bio-based materials.

Johan Gising also participated in the industrial panel discussion, together with representatives from Valmet, UPM and CH-Bioforce. The panel highlighted the practical impact of lignin research and the importance of industrial collaboration in moving lignin-based innovations closer to market.

Lignin to X – Challenges and Potential