Episode 4: Reducing lignin waste

Approximately 1 billion trees worth of paper are thrown away every year in the U.S. Americans use 85 million tons of paper, that’s 680 pounds per person. There are numerous efforts in place to recycle paper waste. But what about reducing the waste produced during paper? One of the key processes in paper production is known as pulping. Pulping removes cellulose, a precursor of paper, from other impurities like lignin. Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer on the planet and serves to bind cells, fibres and vessels. Lignin also provides rigidity to plants and trees. Our guest today, Dr. Eric Gottlieb, will talk about excitement for lignin and his efforts to lignin-based materials. Dr. Eric Gottlieb is one of the co-founders of Lignolix Inc. Eric holds a PhD in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University. He is currently a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Delaware. Eric and his team at Lignolix were one of the two winners of the 2019 University of Delaware Fast Pass challenge. You can find more information on Lignolix through this podcast and at Lignolix.com.