Metsä Group’s pilot plant for lignin processing was launched in Äänekoski in early 2026. The plant uses lignin separated from the bioproduct mill’s production process as its raw material and has a nominal capacity of two tonnes per day of a new type of lignin product. Traditionally, lignin—a by-product of pulp production—has been utilized as bioenergy, but it has several other valuable potential applications in which it can replace fossil-based raw materials and materials. For example, the lignin product can be used to produce bio-based plasticizers for concrete and gypsum applications, which are currently being developed by Metsä Group’s partner, Dow.