Production of vanillin from lignin

Vanillin, a component of vanilla sugar, is an indispensable flavoring in many recipes, especially at Christmas time. However, vanillin is industrially obtained primarily from petroleum - not a sustainable raw material.

The research team led by Prof. Frühwirth is conducting research at ITZ Plus on an alternative method for producing vanillin. The project uses lignin as a starting material - this compound is produced as a waste product in large quantities in the paper and pulp industry every year. The production of vanillin from lignin in a high-pressure reactor is intended to offer a sustainable alternative to extraction from petroleum.