As industries shift toward more sustainable practices, the need for high-performance, low-carbon plastic alternatives has never been more urgent. Whether it’s a fashion label committed to eco-conscious packaging or an electronics brand searching for greener materials, the demand for scalable bioplastics is rapidly growing. Sweden’s Lignin Industries is stepping up to meet that demand with Renol® — a patented, renewable thermoplastic made from lignin, one of nature’s most abundant organic polymers.
This week, the company announced a €3.9 million funding round led by its founding Carrick family, alongside over two dozen investors, many of whom bring deep expertise across materials science, industry, and technology. More than 40% of the capital came from new backers, underscoring growing investor confidence in scalable climate-tech solutions. The new funds will fuel commercialisation efforts, product development, and international expansion as Renol® gains traction across packaging, automotive, and consumer goods.
Turning a Forest Byproduct Into a Market-Ready Plastic Alternative
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Christopher Carrick, a researcher with deep roots in both academia and the European forestry industry, Lignin Industries is built on the premise that circularity and performance can coexist. The company converts lignin — a structural polymer found in plants — into a durable, water-repellent, thermally resistant plastic substitute through a proprietary green chemistry process.
Based just outside Stockholm in Knivsta, Lignin Industries uses a continuous extruder-based system that produces zero toxic emissions and integrates seamlessly with existing plastics manufacturing workflows. This compatibility makes adoption easier for manufacturers, as they don’t need to change equipment or processes to work with Renol®. The polymer can be blended into traditional plastics like PE, PP, and ABS at varying ratios, making it flexible for different product lines and performance standards.
The core innovation lies in Renol®’s ability to match the functionality of fossil-based plastics while dramatically reducing environmental impact. According to company data, replacing just one kilogram of conventional plastic with Renol® can slash CO₂ emissions by up to 6 kilograms. When combined with other sustainable materials, it can even achieve carbon-neutral end products — a milestone for brands aiming to meet net-zero targets.
Traction Across Sectors as Lignin Industries Expands Commercial Footprint
Renol® is already making inroads into multiple industries. From repeat customer orders to new partnerships with materials leaders like Hellyar Plastics, Lignin Industries is proving that Renol® isn’t just a lab innovation — it works in the field. The company’s strategic alliance with Hellyar will help scale the distribution of Renol® across the UK and beyond, leveraging decades of expertise in polymer compounding.
Additional collaborations with industrial giants like Scania and Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova further validate Renol®’s commercial and technical viability. These partnerships provide real-world feedback, helping the company refine applications and accelerate market entry in sectors where durability, cost-efficiency, and sustainability all matter.
Dr. Carrick and CEO Fredrik Malmfors are confident that this latest round will unlock even greater opportunities. With a clear roadmap to grow from niche innovation to market staple, Lignin Industries is positioning itself as a serious player in the bioplastics space — offering companies a practical, scalable solution to reduce their dependence on fossil-derived materials.
As the plastics industry faces growing pressure from regulators, investors, and climate-aware consumers, Renol® offers a rare blend of performance and responsibility. And with lignin being one of the world’s most underutilised natural resources, Lignin Industries is tapping into a feedstock with both environmental and economic potential.
By transforming waste into value and enabling low-barrier entry for manufacturers, Lignin Industries isn’t just replacing plastic — it’s redefining what’s possible for the future of sustainable materials.
