BioStyrene

BioStyrene

Lignin as an Alternative to Fossil-Based Styrene Polymers

Replacing fossil fuel–based and environmentally harmful plastics with sustainable biomaterials is one of the most critical challenges for researchers today. The "BioStyrene" consortium, led by the University of Tartu and joined by five international partners, aims to replace fossil-based styrene with lignin-derived alternatives. Lignin, which makes up about a third of wood, is the main naturally occurring aromatic compound.

In addition to the University of Tartu, the consortium includes the Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University, and three industrial partners:

• Vapa – a paint manufacturer (Russia)
• Plastpolymer – a producer of various polystyrene-based plastics (Russia)
• TBD Biodiscovery – a biotechnology company based in Tartu, Estonia

The project is funded by the Estonia–Russia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme (grant number ER30) and was carried out during 2019–2022.

About the Programme:
The Estonia–Russia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 aims to promote cross-border collaboration between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation to support socio-economic development on both sides of the shared border.
Programme website: www.estoniarussia.eu