Processing Systems for Lignin
Lignin is a renewable raw material with growing potential in high-value applications, from bioplastics and composites to coatings, cosmetics and energy storage. As a complex, non-uniform biopolymer derived from wood, straw or other biomass, lignin requires precise and robust powder processing systems to manage challenges like variable moisture content and poor flowability.
At Hosokawa Micron, we deliver end-to-end processing solutions for lignin and lignin derivatives — including drying, mixing, grinding, compacting and packaging. Whether you’re scaling up from pilot to production or upgrading a single step, our technologies ensure consistent product quality, process stability and safe, dust-controlled handling.
Batch & Continuous Drying
Lignin often enters the process as a wet filter cake or slurry. Hosokawa Micron offers both batch and continuous drying solutions, depending on your material properties and operational needs. Our Conical Paddle Dryer (CPD) delivers low-temperature, vacuum drying with precise moisture control — ideal for heat-sensitive or functional lignin products. For continuous production, the DMR Flash Dryer offers rapid drying of lignin slurries while simultaneously de-agglomerating and classifying the product in a single compact unit.
Mixing & Blending
Because lignin varies in density, moisture and particle cohesion, uniform mixing is essential for downstream stability. Hosokawa Micron offers a full range of batch mixers tailored to fibrous, cohesive or poorly flowing powders. From conical screw mixers for gentle blending to conical paddle mixers for more active mixing, each technology is engineered to prevent degradation and ensure batch consistency. For more intensive processes — such as additive incorporation or pre-conditioning — the high-shear Cyclomix provides rapid mixing, coating and de-agglomeration in a single step.
Grinding, Compacting & Briquetting
After drying, lignin can be processed into fine powders or compacted into granules and briquettes — depending on your application. These steps are covered by our sister company Hosokawa Alpine. Jet mills and classifier mills enable ultrafine, energy-efficient grinding with tight particle size control, which is essential for technical applications such as biopolymers, battery materials or coatings. Alpine also offers compaction and briquetting solutions that turn powdered lignin into dust-free, flowable forms for easy storage, transport or downstream use.
See size reduction solutions
Conveying, Storage & Dosing
To complete the process, Hosokawa Solids Solutions provides specialised systems for safe, dust-controlled material handling. Their pneumatic and mechanical conveying technologies enable gentle transport of lignin, while custom-engineered silos ensure mass flow discharge and explosion protection. Integrated dosing systems and big bag filling stations provide accurate, automated control — ready for full-scale production environments.
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Why Partner with Hosokawa?
With Hosokawa, you gain more than equipment — you gain a trusted partner with deep process expertise and a global support network. From filter cake to finished product, we help you design, test and scale a lignin process that fits your needs.
- One Group, One Solution – covering drying, mixing, milling, compacting and logistics
- Customised system design – based on your lignin source, properties and application
- Global testing & support – including process development and rental equipment
- Explosion protection & compliance – for safe, certified, scalable operation
Test Before You Invest
Run trials with your own materials on production-scale equipment at our 2,000 m² Test & Process Development Centre in the Netherlands. Our experienced process specialists work with you to determine the optimal process, equipment or plant setup. We offer lab and production-scale trials, each supported by a detailed technical report covering setup, process parameters and performance insights—helping you choose the best solution with confidence.
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Talk to our experts
Contact us to discover tailored lignin processing technologies — engineered for consistent quality, dust-free operation and optimised for your application.
Our Process Solutions
Sustainable process technologies
Hosokawa Micron B.V. is committed to sustainable and responsible process technology. Our ISO 14001 certification covers key environmental aspects such as air, soil, energy, waste, water, noise and hazardous substances. With an EcoVadis Silver Medal, we rank among the top 3% of EcoVadis-rated companies in the special machinery industry.
