Techno-economic and life cycle analyses of bio-adhesives production from isolated soy protein and kraft lignin

Bioadhesives are promising alternatives to formaldehyde-based adhesives, owing to their excellent low formaldehyde emissions and sustainable raw materials. Among these, lignin-isolate soy protein bioadhesives (LISP), produced from soy protein and lignin, exhibiting significant potential applications across various wood products. This study addresses previously unidentified environmental impacts and economic feasibility of large-scale LISP bioadhesive production. This study evaluates the techno-economics and cradle-to-gate life cycle environmental impacts of a novel LISP bioadhesive production from isolated soy protein and kraft lignin, including the depolymerization of kraft lignin on a commercial scale by optimizing experimental results. Technoeconomic analysis shows that the estimated production cost of LISP bioadhesive produced at 30 MT/batch plant was 1. 32/kg and the minimum selling price was 1. 40/kg. Life cycle assessment shows that the global warming impact of LISP bioadhesive production of was 2. 20 kg CO2 eq/kg. The utilization of steam was the primary contributor to these emissions.