Lignin-derived biomaterials for environmental application, advancements in sustainable leather and bioplastic production: A review

The increasing demand for sustainable biomaterials has driven significant interest in lignin-enriched lignocellulosic biomass as a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics and animal-derived leather. Lignin, an abundant and renewable biopolymer derived from lignocellulosic biomass, offers notable advantages such as biodegradability, renewability, and potential cost-effectiveness. This review explores lignin's emerging applications and recent advancements in processing technologies, including chemical and enzymatic modifications aimed at enhancing its material performance. Incorporation of lignin with complementary biopolymers enhances its functional properties, including mechanical strength, thermal stability, and biodegradability. These improvements have expanded the applicability in sectors such as packaging, automotive, and fashion, where sustainable bioplastics and leather alternatives are increasingly in demand. Nevertheless, challenges such as processing inefficiencies, high production costs, variability in lignin feedstocks, and scalability constraints remain barriers to widespread commercial adoption. Strategic innovations in biorefinery processes and material engineering are essential to address these limitations. Furthermore, valorizing lignin reduces the carbon footprint of synthetic materials and contributes to effective biomass waste management, supporting the transition to a circular bioeconomy. Aligning Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 12), Responsible Consumption and Production, lignin-based biomaterials hold promise for advancing environmental sustainability and fostering resilient, low-carbon industrial systems.