Lignin Industries AB, a Swedish innovator in bio-based materials, has signed a game-changing partnership with Hellyar Plastics, a Whitstable-based polymer expert with nearly seven decades of industry leadership. The collaboration will fast-track the commercialization of Renol^®, Lignin Industries’ patented bio-based plastic made from lignin, a natural polymer derived from forest and agricultural residues.

This partnership comes after five years of rigorous research and development by Lignin Industries, which aims to end the plastic industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. By incorporating lignin—a non-food competing byproduct found abundantly in plants—Renol offers a scalable, sustainable alternative that is both recyclable and emission-reducing.

Why Lignin Matters

Lignin, the second most abundant organic material on Earth, is often treated as waste, with more than 700 million tons incinerated or discarded annually. Lignin Industries’ innovation transforms this underutilized resource into a valuable feedstock for bio-based plastics, extending its lifecycle and reducing its carbon footprint. The result is Renol, a material that seamlessly integrates into existing production processes, requiring no significant infrastructure changes.

“Lignin Industries is reshaping the future of plastics through the power of lignin—without the need for the industry to invest in new ways of working,” says Fredrik Malmfors, CEO of Lignin Industries. “Renol is ready to be deployed at scale, offering a tangible solution to reduce emissions while meeting high industry standards.”

Hellyar Plastics will compound and distribute Renol, leveraging its extensive network and decades of expertise to position the bio-based material in key markets. At its Whitstable factory, Hellyar has already integrated Renol into Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polypropylene (PP) applications. Products featuring Renol are in advanced development for sectors including domestic goods and construction, with launches anticipated soon. The two companies are also exploring opportunities in automotive manufacturing and other industries.

“Hellyar Plastics has always championed innovative solutions for our customers,” says David Hellyar, Chairman of Hellyar Plastics. “After 18 months of research and testing, Renol has consistently performed to the highest standards required by the industry. We are excited to see the first customer products hit the market and expect Renol to set a new benchmark for sustainable plastics.”

Renol is not just a green alternative; it is a highly functional material designed for scalability. Key benefits include:

• Flexibility: Adjustable blend percentages for tailored applications.
• Efficiency: Shorter cycle times in injection molding.
• Recyclability: Fully compatible with open recycling streams.
• Reliability: Consistent performance in repeat processes at industrial scales.

These features make Renol a practical choice for manufacturers looking to transition to sustainable practices without sacrificing performance.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Lignin Industries and Hellyar Plastics signals a pivotal moment in the journey to sustainable plastics. With commercial products featuring Renol set to launch soon, the collaboration underscores the potential of bio-based materials to revolutionize industries while addressing environmental challenges.

“The infrastructure exists to scale Renol globally,” says Malmfors. “Our partnership with Hellyar Plastics ensures that this groundbreaking material reaches the right markets, proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.”