Composites of covalently linked lignin and cellulose from one feedstock.

Covalently linked lignin-cellulose composites with packaging-grade mechanical properties are produced via a scalable, ambient-pressure, metal-free process from residual biomass.

• Why it matters: This approach addresses the need for sustainable, high-value utilization of all biomass components, reducing reliance on fossil-derived materials and alleviating land-use pressures.
• What they did: The method involves reactive fractionation that isolates high-quality cellulose and functionalized lignin, which is etherified and covalently coupled to cellulose through epoxide ring-opening, creating a composite material.
• The result: The resulting composites exhibit mechanical performance comparable to conventional packaging materials, retain strength under wet conditions, and enable broader, more sustainable biomass valorization pathways.