Lignin is a major waste product of current paper industry processes. However, despite the interesting functionalities and properties of lignin, most part of this natural polyphenol is simply burned to generate energy for the pulp mills. This work describes the innovative use of lignins as bonding precursors in carpet backing processes, thus providing an ecological alternative to the current methods which involve non-reusable latex. To this aim, lignins � along with other phenolics � are activated by oxidoreductive enzymes e.g. laccases, thus producing at mild conditions a highly crosslinked material with adhesive properties. The resulting product has demonstrated to surpass the binding force standards for carpet glueing. As a result of this eco-friendly approach, the carpets can be buried at the end of the product-life in order to be used without further modifications to grow plants and trees, thus closing the lignin life-cycle in a cradle to cradle concept named ERUTAN.

Lignins as bonding material in carpet backings: ERUTAN, a cradle to cradle concept

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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