Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (RYAM) and Borregaard ASA (BRG) announced LignoTech Florida, owned 45% by RYAM and 55% by BRG, officially begun operations at the new lignin plant in Fernandina Beach. The plant has production capacity of 100,000 dry metric tons of lignin with the option of a second phase that can later expand production by an additional 50,000 dry metric tons, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network.
“We are excited to complete construction phase of the plant, on time and within $110 million combined budget,” said Paul G. Boynton, Chairman, President and CEO of Rayonier Advanced Materials. “This investment provides new jobs for the Fernandina Beach community, diverse and environmentally-friendly products for Rayonier Advanced Materials, and a solid return on capital for our investors.”
Lignin, a natural component of wood, is a co-product of Rayonier Advanced Material’s sulphite cellulose manufacturing process in Fernandina Beach. The new operation will process the lignin into value-added products that provide environmentally-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel-based products used globally in construction, agriculture and other industrial applications.
Rayonier Advanced Materials is a global leader of cellulose-based technologies, including high purity cellulose specialties, a natural polymer commonly found in cell phones, computer screens, filters and pharmaceuticals. The Company also manufactures products for lumber, paper and packaging markets.
Borregaard operates the world’s most advanced biorefinery.
